The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) has earned its first-ever Top Performing School distinction from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Professional Regulatory Board of Environmental Planning (PRB-EnP), following a perfect pass rate in the May 2026 Computer-Based Environmental Planners Licensure Examination.
This landmark result reflects the deep roots of UPV’s Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning program. Launched in 1997 through a collaboration between the Department of Management and the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning, the program was officially integrated into the College of Management in 2000.
PRC formally recognized UPV on August 2, 2026, during a joint oath-taking and induction ceremony for the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners Inc. and the PIEP Western Visayas Chapter Iloilo, Inc. (WVCI) at Sam’s 21 Hotel in Iloilo City. PRB-EnP Chairperson EnP/LAr. Michael T. Ang and Board Member EnP Corazon B. Cruz presented the plaque to the UPV Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) faculty while swearing in the 35 new professionals.
During his address, EnP Ang urged the batch to treat PIEP as a genuine community of practice and challenged them to continue mentoring regional talent. PIEP-WVCI President Ferdinand Noel Martirizar stressed the importance of a strong local chapter to serve both planners and the public, while Iloilo 2nd District Representative Katherine B. Gorriceta welcomed potential collaborations on local initiatives.
The UPV community extends its warmest congratulations to the 35 new planners and the College of Management faculty, administrators, and staff who supported them along the way.
Many of these oath takers already work on the ground, but a license turns that work into official power. PIEP National President EnP Jojo del Carmen reminded the new EnPs to own their license to plan and stay committed to their duty to serve.
Written by Rhodella A. Ibabao, EnP
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