The University of San Carlos (USC) was honored with the prestigious Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education (EQUATE) Award on April 2, 2025, at the Manila Hotel, Manila, Philippines. University Registrar Engr. James Toledo and School of Education Coordinator for Linkages and Internationalization Dr. Rita Tagalog accepted the award on behalf of the University (see photo below). 

The award recognized USC’s exceptional commitment to providing high-quality teacher education, particularly at the Secondary Level. It reflects the University’s dedication to meeting national standards and educational goals, ensuring that future educators receive rigorous, top-tier training to prepare them for the challenges of teaching.

USC’s consistent commitment to upholding the highest standards in teacher education played a significant role in earning the EQUATE Award. This includes adherence to the standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), ensuring that the university’s programs meet both national and international best practices. 

The recognition also highlights USC’s excellent performance in the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), where USC consistently produces graduates who excel in the examination, showcasing the effectiveness of its teacher preparation programs. It also reflects USC’s alignment with national education development goals, and its commitment to quality assurance is a core part of its success. 

By continuously improving its programs through self-assessment, regular reviews, and monitoring outcomes, the University ensures that its teacher education remains of the highest quality. 

The EQUATE Award is presented to institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance in maintaining and improving the quality of their teacher education programs. The award is the result of a thorough evaluation of several factors, including program quality, academic standards, and the success of graduates. 

With a focus on pre-service teacher education, this honor highlights USC’s leadership and influential role in the Philippine education system.

by Dr. Rita May Tagalog