The Department of Education (DepEd) Teacher Education Council (TEC) recently designated the UP Diliman College of Education (CEd) as a Center of Excellence (COE) for Teacher Education.

DepEd Secretary and TEC Chair Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara handed over the plaque of recognition to CEd Dean Jerome T. Buenviaje at the ceremonial awarding and meeting on Nov. 27 at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City.

According to Republic Act No. 7784 or the Act to Strengthen Teacher Education in the Philippines by Establishing Centers of Excellence, Creating a Teacher Education Council for the Purpose, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and For Other Purposes (RA 7784), educational institutions are recognized as a COE based on the following criteria: “(a) highly educated, professionally qualified and experienced faculty dedicated to the philosophy, mission, vision, and goals of the institution and education; (b) well-selected students; (c) adequate library, research and study facilities; (d) competent administrative and support staff; (e) well-planned and relevant instructional programs; (f) adequate student development programs; (g) adequate student services; (h) relevant extension service and outreach programs; (i) percentage of graduates who become teachers; and (j) such other criteria as may be established and operationalized by the Teacher Education Council.”

TEC officials visited the CEd on Nov. 5 to conduct a focus group discussion for the pre-service teacher education curriculum review. Buenviaje and eight more CEd faculty members joined the discussion and shared best practices for teacher education that may be used as models for curriculum reframing. The CEd’s COE status began in November 2024 and will end in November 2025.