The Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) has been recognized as one of the top-performing Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) in the country, earning the Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education (EQUATE) Award from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The awarding ceremony took place on April 2, 2025, at the Manila Hotel, 1 Rizal Park, Manila.
Out of 1,553 Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) across the Philippines, ASSCAT is among the 120 institutions recognized in the prestigious EQUATE Awards. In the Caraga Region, it is one of only four State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to receive this distinction, standing alongside Caraga State University (CarSU), Northeastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), and Philippine Normal University (PNU) Mindanao. This award reinforces ASSCAT’s position as a leading institution in teacher education, not only in Caraga but on a national scale.
Representing ASSCAT at the awarding ceremony were College President Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, College of Teacher Education (CTE) Dean Dr. Shiryl T. Ytoc, and BEEd Program Chair, Associate Professor I Emelyn F. Sagrado.
“This recognition underscores our commitment to producing competent and highly qualified educators,” said BEEd Program Chair, Associate Professor I Emelyn F. Sagrado. “We will continue to refine and enhance our programs to better equip future teachers for the evolving demands of the education sector.”
ASSCAT’s teacher education programs have continuously delivered remarkable results in the Board of Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) for first-time takers. In 2021, the passing rate was 75.00%. The following year, March 2022 saw an increase to 76.47%, with an even more impressive 85.86% in September. The upward trend continued in 2023, with a passing rate of 80.21% in March and 87.60% in September. In 2024, ASSCAT maintained strong results, achieving 82.61% in March and 82.73% in September.
“These consistent improvements reflect the dedication of our faculty and students in upholding the highest academic standards,” said CTE Dean Dr. Shiryl T. Ytoc. “This award is a testament to the collective hard work of our educators, students, and stakeholders who continuously push for excellence in teacher education.”
College President Dr. Joy C. Capistrano emphasized how this achievement aligns with global education priorities. “This milestone is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which underscores the importance of quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Our commitment to educational excellence ensures that we are not only meeting national standards but also contributing to a brighter future for education in the Philippines.”
CHED Commissioner Dr. Marita R. Canapi extended her congratulations to all awardees, saying, “Your unwavering commitment to excellence in teacher education and quality assurance is truly commendable.”
ASSCAT remains steadfast in its mission to provide high-quality education, produce competent educators, and uphold academic excellence. This recognition from CHED serves as both a reward for its continued efforts and a challenge to push further in the pursuit of transformative and inclusive teacher education.
Congratulations, ASSCAT! To God be the glory! 💚