𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Dr. De Leon expresses Strong Support for PhilPEN; extends Grateful Appreciation to PUP for Championing Polytechnic Education

Date Posted: Oct. 19, 2026

Limay Polytechnic College (LPC) President Dr. Elmer B. De Leon expressed his strong commitment and support for the newly established Philippine Polytechnic Education Network (PhilPEN) and conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) for spearheading the initiative during the closing program of the First National Summit on Polytechnic Education in the Philippines on October 16, 2026.

Given the opportunity to deliver a message of commitment and support, Dr. De Leon emphasized the relevance, timeliness, and necessity of establishing a national network that would redefine, clarify, and strengthen the identity of polytechnic institutions beyond merely incorporating the term polytechnic into their institutional names.

For Dr. De Leon, the establishment of PhilPEN represents more than an organizational initiative. It is the realization of a long-awaited aspiration among institutions whose educational mandates, practices, and contributions deserve greater recognition, representation, and strategic prioritization in the Philippine higher education landscape.

Describing the initiative in deeply personal and collective terms, he characterized it as an answered prayer, a wish come true, a fulfilled aspiration, and an opportunity for previously unheard voices to finally be recognized.

“It is high time for us to be heard, our unified voices to take their place in CHED and the ASEAN space. We may be doing the things we are supposed to do in our specific contexts, but never at times are these emphasized and prioritized,” Dr. De Leon articulated.

His message underscored the importance of bringing together polytechnic institutions under a common platform where their distinct educational philosophies, institutional practices, and contributions to workforce development and community advancement can be articulated, strengthened, and recognized.

He further emphasized that as the country moves toward a new educational direction and a paradigm shift that highlights multiple career pathways, polytechnic education offers a relevant and responsive approach to bridging academic preparation, technical competencies, industry requirements, and meaningful employment.

For Dr. De Leon, the effectiveness of higher education must not be measured solely by the number of graduates produced, but by how effectively their qualifications, competencies, and learning experiences translate into relevant employment, productive careers, and tangible contributions to national economic development and sustainability.

This perspective reinforces the need for institutions to move beyond enrollment and graduation figures toward outcomes that demonstrate the real value of education to learners, employers, communities, and the nation.

Through a strengthened polytechnic framework, institutions can pursue more purposeful linkages among curriculum development, applied learning, industry partnerships, research, innovation, and employment opportunities.

The LPC President also expressed his profound gratitude to PUP for taking the lead in convening the national summit and providing a venue for institutional leaders to exchange perspectives, articulate shared concerns, and establish a collective direction for the future of polytechnic education in the Philippines.

The summit culminated in the establishment of PhilPEN and the launch of the Polytechnic Education Framework for Philippine Higher Education, aligned with the ASEAN Polytechnic Education Framework.

These developments signal a promising step toward stronger institutional collaboration, greater recognition of polytechnic education, and more responsive educational pathways for Filipino learners.

As the elected Vice President for Local Polytechnic Institutions of PhilPEN, Dr. De Leon affirmed LPC’s readiness to contribute to the network’s development and to represent the perspectives and aspirations of local colleges in advancing a more inclusive, relevant, and outcomes-oriented polytechnic education system.

Concluding his message with a call for solidarity and collective action, Dr. De Leon declared:

“Makakaahon din tayong lahat kung tayo'y magtutulong-tulong at sama-samang itataguyod ito. Mabuhay ang Polytechnic Institutions, mabuhay ang PhilPEN, mabuhay ang PUP!”

His message captured the spirit of unity, shared responsibility, and renewed optimism that defined the summit—a recognition that the advancement of polytechnic education requires not only institutional commitment but also a collective voice, coordinated action, and sustained partnerships.

For Limay Polytechnic College, the establishment of PhilPEN opens another avenue for advancing its commitment to quality assurance, strategic partnerships, internationalization, and community-responsive higher education.

More importantly, it reinforces the College’s aspiration to help shape an educational landscape where every graduate is equipped not merely with a diploma, but with the competencies, opportunities, and career pathways necessary to contribute meaningfully to society.

Together, through a unified vision and shared commitment, Philippine polytechnic institutions can strengthen their place in national development and the ASEAN educational community—transforming education into meaningful opportunities, productive careers, and sustainable progress for all. #

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