QCU Named Finalist in the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025 for Outstanding Student Support

Quezon City University (QCU) has been named a finalist in the “Outstanding Support for Students” category at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2025—widely regarded as the “Oscars” of higher education in the region.

QCU is one of the seven Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) recognized across ten award categories this year. QCU’s inclusion underscores its commitment to inclusive and socially responsive education.

The university’s shortlisted entry, “Education as a Pathway for Reintegration: No Woman Left Behind,” is a pioneering initiative of the Quezon City Government as a priority program of Hon. Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte that provides transformative educational and livelihood opportunities to women, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory (QCJFD).

Implemented in partnership with the Quezon City Government, the QC Gender and Development Council, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the program offers access to medical care, urban farming training, and a full Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship degree through QCU.

Under the leadership of University President Dr. Theresita V. Atienza, alongside Janete Oviedo of the QC Gender and Development Council and Gracia Josue of QCU’s Gender and Development Office, the program utilizes a Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) learning model that blends in-person and online instruction.

As of 2024, the initiative has enrolled 88 PDLs, with 19 graduates to date. The program also established an urban farm within the jail facility and provided ongoing livelihood assistance, fostering dignity, economic independence, and hope for reintegration.

“This recognition affirms our belief that education is a powerful equalizer and a real tool for second chances,” said Dr. Atienza. “We dedicate this achievement to our courageous students at the QCJFD, who prove every day that learning knows no walls.”

This year’s THE Awards Asia honored leading universities from across the region. National Taiwan University (NTU) claimed the top award in QCU’s category, with other finalists including Beaconhouse National University, Davao del Norte State College, EMU University, IPB University, James Cook University Singapore, and National University of Singapore—placing QCU in esteemed global companies.

QCU’s recognition reflects its unwavering mission to deliver inclusive, community-based, and socially transformative higher education—living up to its promise of leaving no one behind.

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