LOOK | The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) was invited to participate in a crucial bicameral conference committee hearing by the Senate and House of Representatives in the Senate Building last December 4, 2023, on the “No Permit, No Exam” Prohibition Bill, which marked a significant step in addressing concerns about the legislation’s potential impact on private education in the Philippines. The meeting was attended by prominent figures from the Senate and key House committee members, and the COCOPEA delegation expressed satisfaction with the balanced focus on student welfare and private educational institutions’ sustainability. The revised consolidated bill presented during the hearing was met with general acceptance, signaling hope for private education in the country.
Private schools, including members of COCOPEA, have raised concerns about the proposed “No Permit, No Exam” Prohibition Act, stating that it could force many private schools to close and compromise their financial viability. They have emphasized the need to consider the impact on the private education sector and the welfare of students facing financial challenges.
The COCOPEA delegation was led by Fr. Albert N. Delvo, CEAP president and COCOPEA chairperson, Dr. Vincent Fabella of Member the PACU Board, Fr. Jun Innocencio, president of UNITEVIT, Atty. Kc Manaog of Legal Counsel of COCOPEA, Joyce Samaniego of PACU, and Prof. Vicente Antonio V. Pijano III, president of DACUN and APSCUR-XI.
COCOPEA, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, is the unifying voice of the private education sector in the Philippines, composed of various organizations, including the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU), and the Unified Technical and Vocational Education and Training of the Philippines Inc.
(UNITEVIT). Prof. Vicente Antonio V. Pijano III, the Chancellor and COO of Philippine Women’s College of Davao (PWC), was invited to represent the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and schools from the Davao Region and Mindanao during the bicameral conference. Prof. Pijano III is also the President of the Association of Private and State Colleges and Universities of Region XI (APSCUR-XI) and the Davao Colleges and Universities Network Inc. (DACUN).
ECCP Davao and Honorary Consulate of Finland in Mindanao Visit PWC to Explore Collaborations
The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Southern Mindanao, in partnership with the Honorary Consulate of Finland in Mindanao, conducted a courtesy visit to PWC to explore potential collaborations in internationalization, industry linkages, and curriculum development.
Honorary Consul of Finland in Mindanao, Hon. Antonio S. Peralta, and ECCP Davao Branch Officer, Ms. Sam Gura were warmly welcomed by key officials from PWC, including Prof. Vicente Antonio V. Pijano III, Chancellor and COO; Dr. Alma Facto, Executive Director for Academics and ASET Cluster Director; Prof. Emi Englis, Head of CISV and Program Chair for FAID; and Ms. Maria Julieta R. Torres, Director for Linkages and Partnerships & Assistant HR Director.
The conversation focused on partnerships in vocational courses, art and design, hospitality and tourism, food technology, business, education, and IT. The visit also featured the ceremonial turnover of 100 Innovations from Finland, a gift from the Finnish Embassy that symbolized a shared commitment to innovation and global partnerships.
This visit opened new opportunities to strengthen PWC’s global network and expand learning experiences for students.
#PWCGlobalConnections #CollaborationInEducation
Future Ready TVET
PWC Chancellor and COO Vicente Antonio V. Pijano III shared insights on aligning TVET curricula with higher education programs within the tri-focalized system at the 2025 National TVET Conference, held on February 10, 2025. This year’s theme, “Future-Ready TVET: Seamless, Inclusive, Quality-Assured Skills Without Borders,” emphasized the importance of creating a smooth and accessible pathway for skills development across different education levels. #PWCTVET #FutureReadyTVET #NationalTVETConference2025
Art in Action
The PWC Basic Education Department wrapped up its Annual Art-Making Contest in celebration of National Arts Month! Learners explored different mediums and brought their creativity to life at the RSM Events Center. The result? A vibrant and expressive artworks that showcased their talent and imagination. #NAM #PWCBasicEducation #PWCNationalArtsMonth
A Step Toward A Sustainable Future
The Sustainable Food, Fashion, and Lifestyle Lecture Series last Saturday at RSM Events Center was more than just a gathering—it was a call to action. Organized by PWC Davao, LGU Tagum, and Tagum City Tourism, Arts, and Culture Council Inc., the event explored key topics like the Sustainable Development Goals, Food Security and Innovations in Food Processing.
Participants also learned about the Bio-Circular Green Economy and had an insightful visit to the Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC) facility and Museum.
#SustainableFuture #LGUTagum #TagumCityTourism #FPICDavao
Re-Launching of the MFAMSC and AHSCEC
Exciting news! The Mindanao Folk Arts Museum and Study Center (MFAMSC) and its Artisanal Studies and Creative Enterprise Center (AHSCEC) are back—now! Visit us at the Mezzanine, TED Library, and explore the rich heritage and artistry of Mindanao. See you there! #MFAMSCReLaunch #MindanaoArt
PWC of Davao and the Tagum City Tourism, Arts, and Culture Council, Inc. have joined forces to promote cultural awareness, women empowerment, and creative tourism!
PWC of Davao and the Tagum City Tourism, Arts, and Culture Council, Inc. have joined forces to promote cultural awareness, women empowerment, and creative tourism!
Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy and DACUN President & PWC Chancellor Vicente Antonio V. Pijano III signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a new chapter of collaboration.
Exciting opportunities ahead for culture, creativity, and community impact!
Future educators from the Teacher Education Program
Future educators from the Teacher Education Program celebrated a significant moment during the Pinning Ceremony held last January 17, 2025, at the TED Library. Congratulations to everyone for reaching this important milestone as you take your first steps toward a fulfilling teaching career! #PinningCeremony #PWCTeacherEducation
PWC FPIC Welcomed delegates from the Ministry of Science and Technology
PWC and Food Processing Innovation Center (FPIC) welcomed delegates from the Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM for a benchmarking visit yesterday. The group explored the FPIC – Davao, Inc. facilities and the PWC Halal Kitchen, fostering collaboration and shared learning in food processing.