By Niña Christelle Sumintac, STRATCOM Correspondent

The Commission on Higher Education(CHED) has recognized the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) College of Teacher Education (CTE) for its outstanding performance in teacher education during the Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education (EQUATE) Awards held on April 2 at the Manila Hotel, Ermita, Manila.

The recognition highlights CTE and other Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) in the country for their commitment to upholding high standards in pre-service teacher education programs and consistently performing at the top level in the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) at both elementary and secondary levels, ensuring the highest standards of quality assurance.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, and CTE faculty member Dr. Gorge Bagaoisan accepted the award during the event. 

Dr. Manzano lauded CTE for its dedication to shaping future educators in the country. “Let this award inspire us to maintain the quality of our education programs in the university and uphold the excellence that the college has built over the years,” he added.

The accolade follows MMSU CTE’s recertification as a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education by the Teacher Education Council in November 2024—a distinction that the college has held since 1996. Additionally, the college has produced numerous top performers in the LEPT in previous years.