Ifugao State University (IFSU) made history today as it received the notable Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Recognition for Proficiency in Quality Management (Level II) during the 26th PQA Assessment Cycle by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The award was conferred in a ceremony held at the Heroes Hall, Malacañang Palace. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Executive Secretary Ret. Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, presented the award, which recognizes IFSU’s substantial progress in building sound processes.
The recognition was received by the IFSU team led by University President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon. DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, Mr. Ruy Y. Moreno (Chairperson of the 26th Cycle PQA Board of Judges), Mr. Arnel D. Abanto (Vice President, Development Academy of the Philippines, PQA Administrator for Public Sector), and Dr. Zandra N. Maningas (Vice President of the Philippine Society for Quality, Inc, PQA Administrator for Private Sector) were also present during the conferment ceremony.
IFSU applied for the award in 2023 highlighting its innovations, achievements, and improvements in seven key areas which comprise the PQA categories for performance excellence. The criteria for performance excellence includes: (1) Leadership (2) Strategy (3) Customers (4) Measurement, Analysis and Knowledge Management (5) Workforce (6) Operations (7) Results.
The PQA, established through Republic Act No. 9013 in 2001, represents the highest national honor for organizational excellence. Modeled after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award of the United States, it provides a framework based on Total Quality Management (TQM) principles to assess and benchmark organizational performance.
“This award stands as a powerful testament to the tireless efforts, unity, and accomplishments of the IFSU community,” declared Dr. Dugyon. “It shows our commitment to achieving organizational excellence through the guiding principles of Total Quality Management.”
Dr. Dugyon added that this recognition demonstrates the seeds IFSU has sown and the systems it has implemented over the years. “We remain steadfast in our pursuit of fostering quality management and organizational excellence.”
IFSU is the first and only higher education institution in CAR to receive the PQA.**Faith B. Napudo
