, Press Release, Communication Management Office
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) launched the first National Summit on Polytechnic Education in the Philippines on October 14, 2026 at the Heritage Hotel, with national agencies and lawmakers calling for stronger support to polytechnic education to bridge theory with skills and practice. Carrying the theme "Igniting the Future," the three-day summit brings together polytechnic institutions from across the country and the ASEAN region.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez delivered his keynote address emphasizing that proven ability and practical problem-solving matter more than diplomas and transcripts.
Other notable speakers include Education Undersecretary Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, ASEAN AI Council Chair Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, President of Technical-Vocational Schools Association Fr. Onofre "Jun" G. Inocencio Jr., SDB, and Philippine Normal University President Dr. Bert J. Tuga.
PUP President Dr. Manuel Muhi completed the lineup to share the century-old experience of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He underscored that “polytechnics are integral to achieving and sustaining national development as embodied by the PUP experience, hence the significant value of the work we do today.”
"Our purpose is clear: to build an educational ecosystem where knowledge serves communities, research solves real problems, and our greatest measure of success is the public value we create," said Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin, Chair of the Polytechnic Education Summit and PUP Vice President for Research, Extension and Development.
By the end of the summit on October 16, participants are expected to produce a Polytechnic Education Framework for Philippine Higher Education aligned with ASEAN standards, an Articulation Guide, and a National Implementation Roadmap for 2027 to 2030. The event is also part of the month-long celebration of PUP’s 122nd Founding Anniversary.
About the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines is the largest state university in terms of student population. It envisions itself as a leading polytechnic university in Asia-Pacific, committed to providing accessible, quality, and relevant higher education to learners across all walks of life. Guided by its vision and mission, PUP advances academic excellence, research and innovation, community engagement, and inclusive public service in pursuit of national development and global competitiveness.
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, and updates, please visit www.pup.edu.ph or contact the University Communication Management Office at commcenter@pup.edu.ph or directly through its Media Relations Officers:
Angelo G. Acedera, agacedera@pup.edu.ph
Elaine Carie A. Andres, ecaandres@pup.edu.ph
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