VSU receives DAP award for paper-saving admissions system

Visayas State University (VSU) has been recognized by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for its major reduction in paper use through the online VSU-College Admission Test (VSUCAT), a breakthrough that helped VSU stand out in the 2025 Productivity Challenge themed “Paper-less—1 Million Sheets Saved.” The recognition was awarded on November 11, 2025, at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

A recognition that is first of its kind, the VSU Admissions Office was cited for its shift to a hybrid, largely digital admissions system that slashed paper consumption by an estimated 125,088 sheets per year, marking one of the most significant reductions among participating institutions. 

VSU became the first state university in the country to institutionalize an online admission examination after the Board of Regents approved the online VSUCAT through Resolution No. 180, s. 2020. The system was officially launched in 2020 and first implemented for full examination operations in 2022.

Under the previous paper-based VSUCAT, an average of 14,000 applicants consumed approximately 132,400 printed sheets each year, consisting of 8-page application forms, test booklets, and answer sheets.

The 2025 hybrid VSUCAT completely shifted applications to an online platform and moved actual testing to computer-based examination centers. Printed materials were reserved only for contingency use, resulting in just 7,312 printed sheets, a significant drop from previous annual figures.

Dr. Joseph E. Padilla, University Admissions Officer, received the recognition on behalf of the university. He explained that the transition to digital processes has streamlined both workflow and the applicant experience.

“Reducing thousands of printed forms each year not only makes our operations smoother, it also reflects a more thoughtful use of resources. We are glad to be part of DAP’s Productivity Challenge and to show how technology can produce measurable improvements for the university and the communities we serve,” Dr. Padilla said.

This direction is strongly encouraged by University President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, who plans to engage more offices across the VSU system to develop innovative workflows and build systems that move the university closer to a fully paper-less environment. 

DAP commended institutions like VSU for pursuing practical solutions that improve public service delivery. This recognition reflects the university’s continuing shift toward more efficient systems, reduced operational waste, and smarter use of technology across university processes.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

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