Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
The PUP Graduate School and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) formally strengthened their commitment to inclusivity through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 25, 2026. The landmark partnership underscores both institutions’ shared vision of embedding disability-inclusive perspectives across higher education, research, and public service.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in advancing accessible and equitable learning environments for persons with disabilities (PWDs). By institutionalizing this collaboration, PUP and NCDA aim to promote policies, programs, and research initiatives that address barriers to participation and expand opportunities for inclusive development.
Photo courtesy of: PUP Graduate School 'Official' Facebook Page.
Defining Moments from the MOA Signing The focus of the event was the presentation of the DNAS Tool Project, introduced through a Statement of Purpose and detailed discussion by Dandy C. Victa, Deputy Executive Director of NCDA. The initiative is expected to support data-driven and evidence-based approaches to disability inclusion within academic and policy frameworks.
Leaders from both institutions delivered strong messages of commitment. University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi emphasized PUP’s enduring mandate to make education accessible to all Filipinos, while NCDA Executive Director Glenda D. Relova reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to strengthening partnerships that uphold the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
The event also received full support from key university officials, including Dr. Emanuel C. de Guzman, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Elmer G. de Jose, Dean of the Graduate School, alongside other Graduate School leaders. Representatives from NCDA, including project development officers and technical personnel, were likewise present to signify the agency’s strong institutional backing.
Advancing Inclusion Through Collaboration The MOA signing reflects the PUP Graduate School’s continuing pursuit of its humanitarian mission—“layuning makatao”—and its guiding principle of “karunungan para sa bayan.” More importantly, the partnership brings to life PUP’s core values of Integrity, Accountability, Excellence, Service, and Inclusivity. By advancing disability-inclusive education and research, both institutions uphold integrity in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, demonstrate accountability through responsive and meaningful programs, pursue excellence via evidence-based initiatives, and strengthen service to marginalized sectors.
At the same time, the initiative contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through inclusive and equitable learning, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by expanding participation of persons with disabilities, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by reinforcing multi-sector collaboration. Through this unified effort, PUP and NCDA reaffirm their shared commitment to building an inclusive future where no one is left behind.
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