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).
Strengthening Global Partnerships in Education
The visiting delegation included Mr. Mika Tirronen, Coordinator of Team Finland Knowledge (Singapore); Ms. Veera Kaarela, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Finland in Manila; and Hon. Antonio S. Peralta, Consul Ad Honorem to Finland and Chairman of the ECCP Southern Mindanao Business Council. They engaged in meaningful discussions with PWC administrators, led by President Emmanuel Q. Canivel.
Safety first at PWC
Students, faculty, and staff of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao participated in the 2026 First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), practicing proper safety procedures and preparedness in the event of an emergency.
Musical Highlights – the spark continues to burn through art.
In celebration of National Arts Month 2026, the 9th Generation of Arts and Design students of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao successfully staged a musical play.
The full written address of PWC President Emmanuel Q. Canivel
In his message, he provided clarity on the institution’s governance challenges and the court ruling affirming the rightful Board of Trustees.
PWC Personnel General Assembly 2026 – Highlights
Teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao (PWC) came together on March 3 at the RSM Events Center for the 2026 Personnel General Assembly — a meaningful gathering that set the tone for the year ahead.
OVP at 90: Duty, Continuity, Legacy – The Vice Presidents of the Philippines Pop-Up Exhibit!
In celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), the Philippine Women’s College of Davao proudly hosted the Pop-Up Exhibit featuring the 14 Vice Presidents of the Philippines, officially launched on February 23 at the Mandaya Lobby.
SINAYA 2026
From the rhythmic beats of the “Manahari” dance and the cinematic storytelling of “Biyahe,” to the harmonious melodies of musical instruments and the eye-catching displays of creativity, the Philippine Women’s College of Davao continues its joyous celebration of National Arts Month with a powerful showcase of student artistry.
Disaster Response and First Aid Training – Preparedness saves lives
The Basic Education Department successfully held the “Kaalaman sa Kaligtasan: Disaster Response and First Aid Training”—a learning experience that equipped students with the knowledge and skills in disaster response, safety, and first aid.