Saint Louis University (SLU) continues to uphold its commitment to academic excellence as the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) Professional Education Department welcomed the Teacher Education Council (TEC) Field Visit on 07-08 May 2026 in response to the department’s TEC application and evaluation for the Teacher Education Center of Excellence (COE).
In 2024, SLU was granted an extension as a Center of Excellence (COE) in Teacher Education by the TEC – a testament to the University’s continuous efforts to maintain quality education. This year, the Professional Education Department of STELA will once again undergo evaluation to assess its sustained performance and strong commitment to Teacher Education.
The two-day visit formally began with a courtesy call of the TEC team along with the Teacher Education Institution (TEI) Administrators, Teacher Education (TE) Faculty Members to University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD., at the Alejandro Roces Boardroom, SLU Main Campus.
To officially commence the two-day program, SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs Felina P. Espique, PhD gave her opening remarks emphasizing that the assessment and validation visit was a partnership between SLU and the TEC chaired by the Department of Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as members. “We do not regard this visit as an evaluation alone. We see it as a collaborative endeavor — an opportunity for us to reflect together on what it means to be a Center of Excellence, to examine how well we are fulfilling our mandate and if we deserve to be still recognized as such,” she said.
Dr. Espique further expressed the testament of being recognized as the Center of Excellence that the University holds. “Being a Center of Excellence, we have always understood, is not simply a matter of meeting benchmarks and passing assessments. It is about embodying excellence in every classroom, every research endeavor, every extension activity, and every act of service,” she added.
The first day activities were followed by a formal discussion through a document exhibit to review and validate the printed and original documentary evidence presented by the TEI. Present during the courtesy call were STELA Dean Mary Pauline E. Namoca, PhD, RPsy, LPT; STELA Associate Dean Teresita D. Ignacio, PhD; Professional Education Department Head Marlon Y. Palbusa, PhD; Physical Education Department Head Benny Kristoffer B. Duriano, PhD.
Moreover, class observations were conducted at the Waldo Perfecto Building, while a site visit to the main campus facilities allowed the assessors to inspect key facilities including the Lecture Rooms/Computer Laboratory, Mass Communication Laboratory, Inclusive Education Resource Center (IERC), Audio Visual Room (AVR), Chemistry Laboratory, Center for Counseling and Wellness, Bishop Carlito Cenzon, D.D. Sports Center Court, Office of Student Affairs (OSA), Prince Bernhard Gym, Museum of Igorot Cultures & Arts, University Libraries, Talged Center, Aquatic Facility at Maryheights Campus, Bakakeng, Saint Louis University Basic Education School – Laboratory Elementary Department (SLU BEdS-LED), and Laboratory Junior and High School Department.
Simultaneous meetings and interviews with TEI administrators and faculty at the Burgos Conference Room were held to validate governance structures, academic management, and program implementation.
On day two, library, research, and study facilities staff reviewed availability, access, and use of academic resources, while student services covered student support and development. Separate sessions with selected students explored learning experiences and academic support. Alumni, extension heads, and partners focused on graduate outcomes and employability.
The event concluded with the presentation of preliminary findings and preparation of the Field visit report by the TEC Assessors.
Fr. Sales delivered his closing remarks, expressing his deepest gratitude and acknowledgement to the TEC team. “We truly appreciate your patience, effort and commitment you have shown throughout this process. Your guidance and dedication inspire institutions like ours to continually strive for excellence and remain faithful to our mission of providing quality Teacher Education,” he stated. He then commended the Teacher Education Department for its continuous hardwork and dedication, which have sustained its commitment since receiving its distinction as a Center for Excellence in 1995. “For many years, SLU has remained committed to forming competent and globally competitive educators. We hope to continue proving ourselves as a trusted partner in advancing quality education for teachers, for our nation.”
On 03 June 2026 the TEC recognized 13 distinguished Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs), including SLU, that embody the highest standards of excellence in teacher education.
“As exemplars of academic distinction, innovation, and institutional leadership, these institutions set the bar for excellence in teacher education and help define the direction of the teaching profession in the Philippines,” the TEC said.
The TEC designation reflects SLU’s continued dedication to strengthening its prestige as a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education, highlighting the University’s pledge to continuous development in molding future educators grounded in competence, loyalty to service, and Christian values. (Article by Mariam Qatarina R. Santos, UIO Intern | Photos by Kathleen Therese Catingub and Zen Aundri Carreon, UIO Interns)
