The Institute of Technology offers eight (8) Diploma Programs with ladderized curricula leading to Baccalaureate degrees, and with corresponding TESDA National Certifications and Professional Licensure:
Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology (DCvET)
Diploma in Computer Engineering Technology (DCET)
Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology (DEET)
Diploma in Electronics Communications Engineering Technology (DECET)
Diploma in Information Communication Technology (DICT)
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (DMET)
Diploma in Office Management Technology (DOMT)
Diploma in Railway Engineering Technology (DRET)
Mindful of the University's mission of providing relevant education to the needs of our youth at each stage of existence, the President of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Dr. Nemesio E. Prudente, initiated the non-formal studies in early June 1986 to give opportunity to the Filipino youth to become inspiring nation-builders. The non-formal studies offered were short-term courses in Secretarial, Computer, Fashion, and Technical courses to serve the "poorest of the poor" who could not afford the tuition fees of the degree programs offered by various Metro Manila Colleges and Universities.
Prof. Antonio V. Hipolito was appointed as Director of the Technical School while Prof. Albino B. Allado as Assistant Director. Both initiated the alignment of the Technical School programs with the thrusts of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS). Director Hipolito and Assistant Director Allado supervised the renovation of the abandoned PUP Annex Building (Rizal Campus) in S. H. Loyola St. in Lepanto, which housed the PUP Technical School.
In November 17, 1986, PUP opened the Technical School and started offering short-term courses in Secretarial, Computer, Fashion, Food Technology. Technical courses in Automotive, Motor Rewinding, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and Radio/Television Repair and Maintenance were also offered during this time.
The PUP Technical School is the pioneer of Distance Learning called Pamantasang Bayan - President Prudente's concept of Open University. Technical School faculty members and administrative staff were tapped to handle short courses in Automotive, Electronics, Electrical, Secretarial Courses and Computer Courses. The Pamantasang Bayan operated in Navotas, Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Pulang Lupa in Fairview, Tambo in Parañaque, Calaca in Batangas, Mindoro and the towns of Sta. Rosa, Sta. Cruz, and Calamba in Laguna.
In 1990, Dr. Samuel M. Salvador was designated as the second Director of the Technical School, with Prof. Avelina C. Bucao as Assistant Director. During his tenure as Director, Dr. Salvador successfully defended the change of status of the Technical School faculty members from Trainors to Instructors. He also initiated the improvement of the School's facilities and further development and improvement of curricular offerings. On-the-Job Training (OJT) subject was added to all Technology courses. Basic and Advanced Motor Rewinding was integrated in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning courses while Welding was included in Automotive as an additional subject.
Prof. Avelina C. Bucao was appointed Director in 1991, with Prof. Ernesto Dumlao as her Assistant Director. Under the leadership of Prof. Bucao, faculty loading was standardized, enabling faculty members in pursuing their graduate studies. Likewise, promotion to permanent status and higher ranks of qualified career development-oriented faculty members were implemented during this time.
In July 1997, Prof. Josefina R. Tan was designated Director together with Prof. Tomas San Pedro as Assistant Director. The desire to promote technology and skills with emphasis on social consciousness, self-discipline, and moral uprightness, led to the renaming of the PUP Technical School to Technopreneurial School, and gave opportunities to high school graduates, out-of-school youth, and professionals to upgrade their skills and awareness in utilizing technology.
Dr. Tan's leadership saw full implementation of the new curriculum. One-year Certificate Programs were offered in Automotive Technology, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, Electrical Technology, Computer Technician, and Information Communication Technology - all of which contained the required 3-unit Summer On-the-Job Training.
In 2005, Prof. Elenita Mantalaba was appointed Director and in 2006, the Technopreneurial School was renamed Technical and Entrepreneurial Skills Development Center (TESDC). Dr. Mely Padilla was appointed as the Director. In 2007, TESDC in Rizal Campus was transferred to the newly constructed building in Pureza St. in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
In 2008, the Board of Regents approved the proposal for new curricular offerings that leads to the transformation of TESDC into College of Technology, further reinforcing the polytechnic character of the University. Ladderized curricula were developed and offered in the College of Technology. The PUP College of Technology formally opened in June of 2008. Dr. Mely Padilla was the first Dean with Prof. Josephine M. dela Isla as the Chairperson. The College of Technology curricula focused on "hands-on" approach to learning. Six three-year ladderized programs namely: Information Communication Management Technology (ICMT), Computer Engineering Management Technology (CEMT), Office Management Technology (OMT), Electrical Engineering Management Technology (EEMT), Mechanical Engineering Management Technology (MEMT), and Electronics Communications Engineering Management Technology (ECEMT) were offered. Technology and management principles were integrated in the skills development of the students.
In 2009, Dr. Roland C. Viray was appointed as the second Dean of the College of Technology. Under the leadership of Dean Viray, the College actively participated in academic and non academic activities of the University. In May 2012, the first College Commencement Exercises was held at the University Gymnasium. 682 pioneering College of Technology graduates marched and received their diplomas.
Dr. Dante V. Gedaria was appointed as the third Dean of the College of Technology on June 2012. Through his leadership, programs offered in the College were divided into two: Information Communication Management Technology (ICMT), Computer Engineering Management Technology (CEMT) and Office Management Technology (OMT) were offered under the Computer Secretarial Department headed by Prof. Josephine M. dela Isla. Meanwhile, Electronics and Communication Engineering Management Technology (ECEMT), Mechanical Engineering Management Technology (MEMT) and Electrical Engineering Management Technology (EEMT) were offered under the Engineering Technology Department headed by Prof. Arturo Evangelista. Numerous successes were achieved during this time, the most notable of which is the development of the PUP Mobile Portal - the first school mobile portal in the Philippines, by Mr. Gian Scottie Javelona. With this invention, the University was catapulted into the limelight and further strengthened its hold as pioneer in research and technology production and innovation.
In 2012, newly installed University President Dr. Emanuel C. De Guzman implemented his 8 - Point Agenda. This led to the establishment of new colleges, and merging of interralated disciplines. The Board of Regents, in its Resolution 900 series of 2012 or the PUP Organizational Structure, approved sectoral groupings of offices, colleges and departments, and the College of Technology was renamed Institute of Technology (ITech).
In June 2018, Engr. Ramir M. Cruz was designated as the Dean of the Institute of Technology. Industry - aligned ladderized curricula in Engineering, Information Communication and Management Technology were offered during the start of the academic year. As senior high school graduates were accepted, the Institute witnessed significant increase in enrolment. Active collaborations and partnerships with industry, government institutions, alumni and community led to notable outputs in instruction, research and extension. The Diploma Program in Civil Engineering Technology was offered in 2019, and in 2020 the Diploma in Railway Engineering Technology was added to the programs offered by the Institute.