, Press Release, Communication Management Office
Higher education institutions signed a Pledge of Commitment and a Framework Agreement establishing the Philippine Polytechnic Education Network (PhilPEN) during the second day of the National Summit on Polytechnic Education in the Philippines, October 15, 2026, Heritage Hotel, Pasay City.
Convened by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), the voluntary network covers cooperation in academic programs, research and extension, quality management, and resource sharing. Member institutions keep their autonomy, while specific projects will be covered by a separate memoranda of agreement.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, in her keynote, discussed the Philippine Credit Transfer System and the recognition of prior learning for workers with five years of experience. She said the instrument of accession to the Tokyo Convention in October 2025 is being prepared for deposit with UNESCO.
PUP President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi urged delegates to turn the summit's lessons into commitments, in line with the ASEAN 2026 theme "Navigating Our Future, Together."
Speakers from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia shared their polytechnic models. Mr. Hiromichi Katayama of UNESCO Jakarta discussed implementing curriculum design and regional credit transfer. Dr. Lim Teng Leng of Temasek Polytechnic presented Singapore's industry partnerships and Centers of Excellence. Dr. Nur Ilyani Idris of Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia cited her country's goal of raising ten polytechnics to premier status by 2027. President Sandra Yap Dianggorobles of SSR Politeknik described Indonesia's shift to one-year internships.
Department of Science and Technology National Capital Region Director Romelen T. Tresvalles asked schools to measure research by its use in industry and communities. Engr. Jerry Webb E. Muhi of Dual Technology pushed for co-designed curricula and apprenticeships. Indonesian Ministry of Industry Deputy Director Setyoko Pramono presented in-company training for Industry 4.0 and electric vehicles.
The summit closes on October 16 with the presentation and launch of the Philippine Polytechnic Education Framework.
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 theUniversity 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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