University News

Recognizing outstanding industry partners in RACE 3

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) conferred the Recognition Award for Collaborative Engagement (RACE) on its industry partners as part of the University’s 121st Founding Anniversary at the Bulwagang Balagtas on October 23.

The award was presented by key PUP offices, namely the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA), Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development (OVPRED), and the Office of the Vice President for Campus (OVPC), Alumni Relations and Career Development Office (ARCDO) and Office of Scholarship and Financial Assistance (OSFA), in recognition of the partners’ meaningful partnerships to the Sintang Paaralan.

In his welcome remarks, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (VPSAS) Prof. Tomas Testor thanked the industry partners for their dedication and sincerity in enriching PUP’s academic programs and advancing research and innovation, strengthening the University’s service to the people.

“Your unwavering support and active collaboration have been instrumental in advancing the PUP mission to provide quality education and produce industry-ready graduates,” Testor said.

Representing Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry R. Aguda, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Procurement Gerald James B. Reyes emphasized the important role of industry partnership in nation-building.

He cited DICT’s Digital Bayanihan initiative where the public and private sector join to make the Philippines a digital-ready country. Key programs include expanding internet access and e-government services to remote communities, as well as conducting seminars regarding responsible artificial intelligence (AI) usage.

“The digital world is a great equalizer. No one should be left offline. Malaki ang kapangyarihan ng teknolohiya. It can level the playing field, it can lift lives, it can open doors pero hindi lahat nakakapasok sa pintuang iyon,” he said.

(The digital world is a great equalizer. No one should be left offline. Technology holds immense power. It can level the playing field, uplift lives, and open doors—but not everyone can walk through that door.)

ARCDO Director and Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Engr. Florinda Oquindo closed the event with a call for deeper collaboration between the University and its industry partners. She emphasized that their investment ensures no Iskolar ng Bayan is left behind due to financial constraints and that their research support positions them as co-pilots in innovation—a key factor of community development.

“Let us commit to even greater synergy, let us make our partnerships deeper, our research bolder, and our impact wider.” Oquindo urged.

Indeed, Robert Baranda, Fitness Training Manager of the Slimmers World International, remarked that PUP is an appealing institution to industry stakeholders, attributing to the strong work ethic and “never say die” attitude cultivated among the Iskolar ng Bayan.

Christina Roque, Senior Program Manager of the Jesus V. del Rosario Foundation Inc. (JVRFI), stated that the University stands “as a beacon of excellence, inclusivity, and unwavering love for the Filipino people,” adding that partnering with PUP enabled them to “touch more lives and bring hope through the power of education.”

“The University also continues to nurture scholars and leaders from all walks of life, guiding them to grow in wisdom, integrity, and empathy—so they may serve others and help build a better, more hopeful Philippines for all,” Roque commented.

The Sintang Paaralan reaffirms its commitment towards forging relevant and sustainable partnerships as stated under the United Nationals Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 17: Partnership for the Goals. With these collaborations, PUP continues to create academic and research opportunities that empower both students and faculty to become more effective and innovative in their respective fields.

_{(Note: Grammar check and English Translation is generated by AI.)}