The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED ROI) held the much-anticipated kaPADyak Conference 2025 with the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Collaborative Approaches for Drug Prevention in Higher Education” at the EM Royalle Hotel and Beach Resort on April 3, 2025.
Anchored on the collaborative efforts of Kabataan, at Pamantasan, the conference brought together key stakeholders from higher education institutions (HEIs), national government agencies, and student leaders across Region 1 to strengthen preventive measures against drug abuse and crime in academic communities.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED ROI, articulated the objectives of the conference, emphasizing the vital role of youth empowerment and institutional collaboration in addressing drug-related issues, and reaffirmed CHED’s commitment to good health and well-being, ensuring that HEIs proactively foster safe and healthy communities.
Director Corinna Frances Cabanilla, Director IV of CHED Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS), graced the activity as the Guest of Honor and Speaker and discussed the national strategies reinforced in building a safe and drug-free campus through sustainable programs and policy frameworks.
“We are a team, and we continue to remain as a committed team that recognizes the strength and success of each member towards achieving our collective goal to have a drug-free community for all and for future generations to come,” said Dir. Cabanilla.
The activity also recognized the 2024 PADS Regional Winners for the PADS Innovative Awards namely: Saint John Bosco College of Northern Luzon (SJBCNL), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), and Universidad De Dagupan (UDD), along with KaPADyak Student Leaders, kaPADyak Advocacy Campaign Winners, AMA La Union and Colegio San Juan De Letran, Manaoag, Life Skills Training facilitators and partners.
Ms. Cynthia Q. Hernandez of CHED OSDS presented the Implementation of Drug-Free Campus Policies, and Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor II of CHED RO1 talked about the Integration of Anti-Drug Abuse Programs in Student Services.
Atty. Howard Chan of Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) RO1 reminded the agency’s mandates on free access to courts, judicial and quasi-judicial agencies, by rendering legal services, counseling, and assistance to the participants.
Ms. Maria Luisa O. Perez, RPsy, RPm, Psychologist II of Region 1 Medical Center, shared Awareness on Mental health and Mental Coping capabilities with the participants.
Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor II, commended the attendees for their continued support in fostering a safer, drug-free educational environment.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔.𝘍. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘢
#CHEDRO1

Twenty-three higher education institutions competed in the CHED RO1-initiated GAD Regional Quiz Show at the CHED RO1 Conference Hall, San Fernando City, La Union on March 25, 2025.

The activity, in its second year, supports the National Women’s Month by raising awareness of the importance of gender equality and development in education through a competition.

Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer graced the event as she reminded the participants of the importance of Gender and Development and the continuing battle for Gender Equality.

“We are gathered today to celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women across all sectors. This year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” is a reminder that every woman, regardless of her background, has the power to lead, inspire, and transform…. The road ahead is not easy, but it is worth it. Because when women lead, we don’t just change the system—we change mindsets, we change history, and we change the future,” Dr. Ferrer said.

Atty. Anna Leah T. Romero, Attorney V; Mr. Danilo T. Balino, Information Officer III of the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office 1; and Dr. Maria Carmela Domocmat, CHED RO1 Education Supervisor, served as judges for the said activity.
Among the participating HEIs, the top 3 were declared winners in the Quiz Show, namely:

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡
University of Northern Philippines
Quizzers: Jerick F. Robiño, Ulysis L. Paet
Coach: Dr. Abelardo A. Anicas

𝟭𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥-𝗨𝗣
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
Quizzers: Jessica G. Gacusan, Mariecon G. Lambinicio
Coach: Dr. Lanie B. Tiu

𝟮𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥-𝗨𝗣
Urdaneta City University
Quizzers: Sheena Mae C. Cabang, Lord Justin Jefferson A. Cruz
Coach: Dr. Mary Grace M. Bibat

The awardees received cash prizes and a certificate of recognition during the awarding ceremony of the Quiz Show.

𝘣𝘺 𝘒.𝘑. 𝘝𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘰

Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV, and Mr. Arnold V. Ancheta, Education Supervisor II and focal person for Student Affairs and Services (SAS) of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1), attended the two-day Workshop/Write Shop on the Revision of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 09, s. 2013, titled “Policies and Guidelines on Student Affairs and Services (SAS),” held at Twin Lakes, Laurel, Batangas, on March 19-20, 2025.

The event gathered experts in student affairs and services, including representatives from the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services, Inc. (PAPSAS) and the Philippine Guidance Counselors Association, along with government agencies such as the Department of Health, National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, National Council on Disability Affairs, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Also in attendance were SAS focal persons from higher education institutions (HEIs) and CHED Regional Directors and Education Supervisors from Regions 4, 5, and the National Capital Region (NCR), who serve as frontliners in implementing and monitoring SAS programs at the regional level.

CMO No. 09, s. 2013, was issued under the administration of former CHED Chair Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, succeeding CMO No. 21, s. 2006, released by Dr. Carlito S. Puno. The most recent update, CMO No. 8, s. 2021, was issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide guidelines on the flexible delivery of SAS programs. The ongoing revision seeks to incorporate both face-to-face and online modalities while aligning SAS policies with new laws and emerging student needs.

Participants were grouped to assess and propose revisions to specific provisions of the CMO. Proposed changes underwent thorough review and evaluation through multiple rounds of discussion, with final provisions refined under the guidance of the CHED Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS) Director. The workshop also produced a proposed monitoring and evaluation tool for HEIs to use as documentation in compliance with SAS standards.

The revised guidelines aim to enhance student support services and ensure their relevance in the evolving educational landscape.

𝘣𝘺 𝘈. 𝘈𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘢

Ms. Camille Gean M. Ricanor of Lorma Colleges ranked 8th in the March 2025 Licensure Examination for Medical Technologists.

Ms. Ricanor garnered a 90.90% passing rate in the said board examination.
The CHED Regional Office 1 family extends its warmest congratulations to the successful passers. May their achievements inspire future board takers!

Members of the Technical Panel and CHED supervisors conducted a validation visit at Prime Aces College (PAC) in Bauang, La Union on March 20-21, 2025.

The visit was intended for the evaluation of the Bachelor in Engineering Technology Major in Major in Aircraft Maintenance Technology (BET-AMT) program of the institution in the application of their Government Permit to operate said program.

The team evaluated the institution’s administrative structure, instruction, research, community involvement as well as the institution’s governance and infrastructure.
The validation team was led by Engr. Benjamin Pablo E. Simbulan and Dr. Kristofer Neal C. Imperial, both recognized as technical experts in aviation and aeronautical programs.

Technical support was given by Engr. Sherwin Revereza and Mr. Jorel Ramirez from the Office of Programs and Standards Development (DPIC-OPSD) of CHED Central Office, along with Engr. Angelica Dolores and Engr. Leonora Quarte, of CHED Regional Office I.

The team reviewed the application reports, conducted on-site inspections of the institution’s library and laboratory facilities, and interviewed key personnel of the institution.

The team disclosed the evaluation findings and provided their recommendations during the exit conference, which was attended by the members of the institution’s administration led by Ms. Glenda Lita Ersando, the college president and Mr. Keneth Gozun, academic dean.

𝘣𝘺 𝘓. 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦
: Prime Aces College

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | CHED RO1 conducts 2025 kaPADyak Conference with the theme “Kabataan , Kapulisan at Pamantasan nagkakaisa sa paglaban sa Illegal na Droga at Krimen,” at the EM Royalle Hotel and Beach Resort, San Juan, La Union

Dir. Corinna Frances Cabanilla, CESO III, graced the event as the Guest of Honor and Speaker and discussed the role of the Commission on Higher Education-Office of Student Development and Services (CHED-OSDS) on the implementation of PADS in the higher education sector.

𝘣𝘺 𝘒.𝘑 𝘝𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘰

The EQUATE Awards: Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education recognizes outstanding institutions across the country at the Manila Hotel in Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila on April 2, 2025.

Organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), EQUATE honored high-performing Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) for their commitment to producing quality educators who will shape the future of Philippine education.
We are proud to announce that the following TEIs from Region 1 have been recognized for their excellence in teacher education:

Elementary Level:
✅ Mariano Marcos State University – College of Teacher Education
✅ Pangasinan State University – Alaminos City
✅ University of Northern Philippines

Secondary Level:
✅ Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – South La Union Campus
✅ Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College – Tagudin Campus
✅ Mariano Marcos State University – Laoag – College of Education
✅ Pangasinan State University – Urdaneta
✅ Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union, Inc.
✅ University of Northern Philippines
✅ University of Pangasinan Inc.
#EQUATEAwards #QualityEducation #Region1Excellence