It has been declared the policy of the State to encourage and assist, through this Department, educational institutions to attain high levels of quality in the educational programs or courses of studies offered to students and the community.

Pursuant to Section 29, Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 in relation to Rule IV of the Rules and Regulations for the Implementation of the said Act, necessary measures have been undertaken to identify the country ™s excellent schools.

The initial list of institutions which have been identified as EXCELLENT SCHOOLS is as follows:

Ateneo de Manila University, Manila
Ateneo de Naga, Naga City
De La Salle University, Manila
University of the Philippines, Diliman
University of the Philippines, Los Ba os
University of the Philippines, Manila
University of Sto. Tomas, Manila
Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City
Central Philippine University, Iloilo City
College of Holy Spirit of Manila, Manila
Miriam College Foundation, Quezon City
(formerly Maryknoll College Foundation, Inc.)
Philippine Normal College, Manila
Saint Louis University, Baguio City
Saint Paul College of Manila, Manila
Saint Scholastica ™s College, Manila
Siliman University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
University of San Carlos, Cebu City
University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City

These universities and colleges shall be given full deregulation or complete administrative, curricular, and financial autonomy for two (2) years beginning the school year 1992-1993.

These excellent schools shall, however, be closely monitored by the DECS to ensure consistency in their commitment to deliver quality education based on the following criteria:

a. All or more than seventy (70%) percent of the schools ™ programs or courses offered are excellent.

b. Instruction should have achieved excellence in terms of responsive curricular programs, highly qualified faculty and complete school facilities.

c. Research has been proven to have attained excellence through quality research units with full support of the institution.

d. Community/extension services through its quality of outreach activities and leadership role in the community.

e. Governance of the institution where professional competence of administrator and management of material and other financial resources are made evident.

f. Good performance of graduates through the years as substantiated by their high grades obtained in national examinations and by the business or industry they have worked since their graduation.

Monitoring and evaluation of schools and programs are basic and continuing activities.  The identification and selection of schools/programs shall, likewise, be on a continuing basis.

For immediate dissemination and compliance.

Adopted: 18 Dec. 1991