Manila, Philippines - July 17, 2024 - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Central Office has achieved a remarkable milestone by being recognized for "Proficiency in Quality Management (Level 2)" at the prestigious 26th Philippine Quality Award (PQA) conferment ceremony, held at the Malacañang Palace.
The Philippine Quality Award, the nation's highest recognition for performance excellence, parallels the esteemed Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program of the United States. The award evaluates organizations across seven criteria: Leadership, Strategy, Customer, Measurement Analysis and Knowledge Management, Workforce, Operations, and Results.
The DOST Central Office is the first Central Office among national government agencies to receive the PQA award in this assessment cycle. Other Level 2 awardees included Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Ifugao State University, Philippine Normal University-Manila Campus, Balibago Waterworks System, Inc., and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.
Level 3 awardees comprised Makati Development Corporation, Southville International School and Colleges, Cavite State University, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and University of Southeastern Philippines. Meanwhile, Level 1 awardees were Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, and University of the Philippines-School of Urban and Regional Planning (UP-SURP).
In his opening remarks, DTI Secretary and PQA Award Manager Alfredo E. Pascual lauded the DOST Central Office for its unwavering commitment to quality, stating, "We recognize your efforts in adhering to high standards, setting a benchmark for others, and demonstrating a culture of high performance and accountability. May you continue to inspire and lead by example."
President Marcos, in his keynote address delivered by Executive Secretary Bersamin, highlighted the significance of this accolade, saying, "The conferment of this prestigious award demonstrates our collective commitment to upholding excellence in various fields and endeavors. May our entire workforce, both in the public and private sectors, leverage their skills to become globally competitive. I urge you to sustain your best practices and cascade these exemplary practices to different organizations, institutions, and agencies across the country."
The DOST Central Office's success in performance excellence is rooted in the authority and responsibility of its Senior Leaders (Executive Officials) in executing the organization’s mandate and function, and in fostering a commitment to quality and involvement throughout the DOST system's human resource.
The PQA Trophy was presented by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., to DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Assistant Secretary Diana L. Ignacio, and Director Racquel P. Alvendia. Joining them were Directors Angely P. Medalle-Alviar and Cezar R. Pedraza, Head Executive Assistant Mary Grace R. Postor, Chief Administrative Officer Rosella B. Dolor, and Supervising Administrative Officer Brian U. Rasco.
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