The University of Santo Tomas Enhanced Virtual Mode (EVM) of instruction won the “Excellence in Flexible and Responsive Management (Private Higher Education Institution) Award.” The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Rex Education, and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) conferred the honor during the inaugural Gawad Edukampyon, livestreamed on its Facebook page on October 25, 2021.
With EVM implemented for the second consecutive academic year, UST has shown that with the right blend of people, principles, process, and product (4Ps), even the gargantuan task of shifting more than 40,000 people to a new mode of educational delivery is possible, according to the introductory video during the awarding ceremony.
In his message accepting the award on behalf of the University, the Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., credited the University’s foresight for putting in place “proper technology to address learners’ needs effectively and deliver lessons efficiently was foremost in our minds even prior to the pandemic.”
“We owe [the award] to careful planning and being constantly forward-looking. [It] speaks volumes about our concerted effort to make things work,” said Fr. Ang.
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, explained that “The massive adoption of e-learning as early as two decades ago paid off since prior experience and training in digital learning aided in the University-wide transition of instruction delivery.”
Peralta also added that “Beyond the proficiency in the use of digital resources is the University’s desire to provide our students with an enriched learning experiences despite the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Gawad Edukampyon, launched in January 2021, honors higher education institutions (HEIs) for implementing programs for blended learning schemes and community programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The selection process included eligibility screening, evaluation of entries, and shortlisting, which were conducted from July to September 2021.
