DOST-ASTI PQA Champions proudly receive the PQA Recognition Plaque at the 27th Philippine Quality Award Conferment Ceremony. Present in the photo (L-R) are DAP Acting President and CEO Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian, Chair of the 27th Cycle PQA Board of Judges Ruy Y. Moreno, DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, DOST-ASTI Director  Dr. Franz A. de Leon, FAD Chief May C. Cayaban, and KMD Chief Paul John M. Serrano (Photo courtesy of DTI and RTVM) 

Manila, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) is one among the 18 organizations recognized at the 27th Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Conferment Ceremony held on 5 September 2025 at the Heroes Hall in the Malacañan Palace.  

DOST-ASTI received the PQA Recognition for Commitment to Quality Management-National Level, a distinction given to organizations that have demonstrated serious commitment to improving their management systems and processes in pursuit of quality excellence.  

Established through Executive Order No. 448, the PQA is the highest national recognition for performance excellence in the Philippines. It acknowledges both public and private sector organizations that have made significant strides in adopting quality principles and practices aligned with global standards. 

DOST-ASTI's journey toward the PQA began back in 2023. The ASTI-PQA Team was headed by Director Franz A. De Leon, led by Knowledge Management Unit Head Ms. Donabel Norei M. Soriano, with senior leadership from the Institute’s six divisions serving as PQA Champions. 

In 2024, the Institute successfully submitted its application report under the 27th assessment cycle. The report highlighted DOST-ASTI's culture of innovation, customer-centric and data-driven systems, and inclusive workforce—all working together to drive continuous process and service improvements. The Institute later qualified for and welcomed the PQA assessors during their site visit. 

DOST-ASTI PQA Champions together with fellow awardees from other DOST attached agencies (DOST RO XI, DOST RO III, PCAARRD, and PSHS-Main Campus).  

In June 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Competitive Development (DTI-BCD) officially confirmed the results of the assessment, recognizing DOST-ASTI as a recipient of the PQA Recognition.  

“I commend the men and women of DOST-ASTI for their dedication and hard work in strengthening our processes and services. This achievement is proof of our potential and readiness, may this fuel our drive to aim even higher toward quality and performance excellence,” said Director de Leon, emphasizing that this milestone reflects the collective efforts of the Institute.  

For DOST-ASTI, this recognition goes beyond internal improvements. It affirms the Institute’s capacity to deliver more reliable, efficient, and responsive public service, ensuring that its research and development initiatives translate into greater impact for the communities and sectors it serves. 

Representing DOST-ASTI in this event was Director Dr. Franz A. de Leon, accompanied by the Institute’s PQA Champions: FAD Chief Ms. May C. Cayaban, KMD Chief Mr. Paul John M. Serrano, Dr. Meryl Regine L. Algodon, Ms. Vanesa O. Osiana, Ms. Emma P. Juco, and Ms. Maricar R. Lumauig.