The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Productivity and Development Center (PDC), successfully convened 696 participants from public and private sector organizations nationwide during the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Orientation 2026, held on 25 March 2026 via Zoom and Facebook Live.
The large turnout underscores the growing commitment of institutions across the country to pursue organizational excellence, innovation, and service quality through globally aligned standards. The orientation forms part of DAP’s continuing efforts to strengthen performance systems and promote excellence in governance and management.
As the country’s highest recognition for organizational performance excellence, the Philippine Quality Award serves as a strategic framework for organizations seeking to improve systems, drive innovation, and deliver customer-focused results. Participants were provided a comprehensive overview of the PQA framework, core values, recognition levels, assessment criteria, and application process.
In her welcome remarks, Acting Vice President Monica D. Saliendres of the DAP-PDC emphasized the importance of adopting structured and globally aligned approaches to strengthen systems and achieve measurable outcomes, reaffirming DAP’s steadfast commitment to supporting institutions in their journey of continuous improvement.
Key sessions were led by DAP resource persons who provided expert insights on the PQA framework and its transformative value. Anna E. Sabularse, Project Manager for PQA of the DAP-PDC, discussed the fundamentals and strategic importance of the award in enhancing organizational systems and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement.
Meanwhile, Director Melani Garcia-Mercader of the PDC–Advocacy and Institutional Development Office (AIDO) presented the PQA framework and assessment criteria, highlighting how leadership, strategy, operations, and results must align with standards of excellence.
The orientation also featured the PQA Journey, which guided participants through the application procedures, recognition levels, and documentary requirements, equipping organizations with a clearer roadmap toward performance excellence.
Adding inspiration to the learning sessions, a video presentation of PQA Success Stories showcased notable institutions such as Cavite State University, Bulacan State University, the Philippine Science High School System, the Philippine Heart Center, and the Department of Science and Technology – Davao Region, demonstrating how the framework has strengthened leadership systems, streamlined operations, and elevated organizational performance.
Participants were likewise introduced to the Business Excellence Solutions for Transformation (BEST) Program, a DAP-PDC initiative that offers training, coaching, and technical assistance to help organizations institutionalize the PQA framework and build resilient, high-performing systems.
In closing, DAP encouraged organizations—particularly those in the public sector—to take the next step in their excellence journey by applying for the Philippine Quality Award, emphasizing that the award is not merely a recognition, but a reflection of sustained institutional transformation and commitment to quality public service.
For inquiries, interested organizations may email sabularsea@dap.edu.ph.