Conferred in April 2026 following a rigorous international assessment, the Platinum Accreditation was officially awarded on July 14, 2026 at the DTNB Convention Hall of PSU Lingayen by no less than the IIP Assessors.
University President ๐๐ซ. ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐. ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ, in his acceptance speech said the PSU celebrates not just an award, but the people behind this historic achievement.
โThis Investors in People Platinum Accreditation is a celebration of every member of the Pangasinan State University family, our teaching and non-teaching personnel, students, alumni and stakeholders. Being recognized as the first HEI in Asia to receive the Investors in People Platinum Accreditation is a defining moment in the history of PSU as it affirms a timeless truth: when an institution genuinely values its people, excellence naturally follows. When employees are empowered, supported and trusted, they become more committed to delivering exceptional service and achieving outstanding results,โ President Galas said.
Lending glitter to the event are national officials who were instrumental in institutionalizing IIP standards at PSU to include former PSU president ๐๐ซ. ๐๐๐ฑ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐. ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ who now serves as Administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority.
โPlatinum is not the destination- its an evidence of who we are. Buildings will grow old, policies will change, even our names will be replaced by new leaders. But the lives we have touched, the dreams we have awakened, no award can truly capture,โ Administrator Buted said in his inspirational message.
Likewise, former PSU Chief Administrative Officer and now the OIC Deputy Executive Director of the Commission on Higher Education, ๐๐ซ. ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐, expresses his congratulations to the men and women of PSU as it celebrates two milestones – the 47th founding anniversary and the conferment of the IIP Platinum accreditation adding that, that one depicts how long PSU has existed and one answers how PSU has served the people and the community.
โFor 47 years, PSU has educated generations, opened opportunities, strengthened communities, and transformed lives. It has shown that public higher education can remain accessible without compromising quality, and ambitious without losing sight of its public purpose.Yet the history of an institution is not measured only by the age of its buildings, the number of its programs, or the awards displayed on its walls. Its true history is found in its people,โ Dr. Evangelista said.
The conferment was made more special with the personal presence of the IIP Assessment Team led by its Chairperson, ๐๐ฌ. ๐๐๐ง๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ, along with the members namely Ms. Teresita Villanueva, Ms. Rosario Ventura and Ms. Andrea Plana.
Ms. Webster in her message, reminisced the transformation of PSU when it started its IIP journey in 2016.
โIIP is something that doesnโt happen overnight. We saw your transformation. We have seen the way your quality management and commitment has become what you are and how you are everyday. Culture of excellence takes many years to build, and you are sustaining it, you are bringing it to greater heights. IIP accreditation is not about passing the test. Itโs about the leaders and the people. If you donโt have people inspired to take great pride in their work, you will never get to silver, gold or platinum,โ Ms. Webster said quipped.
The historic event was attended by the University Vice Presidents – Dr. Jeanilyn Villanueva (Administration and Finance Management), Dr. Weenalei Fajardo (Academics and Student Services), Dr Celeste Mercado (Quality Assurance), Dr. Razeale Resultay (Research, Extension and Innovation), Dr. Renato Salcedo (Local and International Affairs); Faculty Regent Dr. Ace John Mark Liwanag and Student Regent Chin Kirby Apellido; along with university and campus officials.
Members of the Technical Working Group were also awarded with certificates of appreciation (See separate story and photos)
The Platinum milestone crowns PSU’s remarkable Investors in People journey. In 2018, the University became the first public university in Asia to earn the IiP Silver Award, followed by the prestigious Gold Accreditation in 2021. Advancing to the highest level in 2026 signifies PSU’s continuous pursuit of organizational excellence and its commitment to international standards of quality management.
More than an institutional milestone, it symbolizes the University’s enduring mission to transform lives, advance communities and shape the future of higher education through a culture where people remain at the heart of progress.
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