Higher Education Institutions in Region 1 once again proved their global competence as they bagged multiple recognitions in the recently concluded Virtual CommTECH Nusantara 2025, organized by Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya—one of the most active and generous international partners of CHED Regional Office I and Region 1 HEIs.
Out of 122 participants from 29 HEIs representing the Philippines, Malaysia, Russia, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Peru, Mexico, and Singapore, the Region 1 participants stood out during the said activity.
Among the highlights of the event was the outstanding performance of three student delegates who were awarded as 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀:
📍𝗝𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨)
📍 𝗖𝘆𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼, 𝗟𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗦𝗟𝗖 -𝗦𝗙𝗟𝗨)
📍𝗔𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗼𝗻 (𝗨𝗟)
As a result of their exceptional participation, Jed and Cyrene secured a full scholarship for the next cycle of CommTECH, while Alvin Carillo was granted a full scholarship for the International Staff Mobility (ISM) Program happening from September 29 to October 3, 2025.
Region 1 delegates also shone in the Special Awards Category, earning the following recognitions:
𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
📍 Princess A. Laña – Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union
📍 Kyro D. Arroyo – Mariano Marcos State University
📍 Rhonalie B. Apilado-Dumo – Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union
📍 Fregine A. Claveria – University of Luzon
𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
📍Trisha Zahmir – Mariano Marcos State University
𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱:
📍Abegail O. Habon – University of Northern Philippines
📍Ana Mae G. Fontanilla – Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union
CommTECH Nusantara is a virtual international program by ITS Surabaya that brings together students, faculty, and staff for cross-cultural learning. It includes lectures, cultural activities, team projects, and networking, aiming to build global awareness, leadership, and appreciation of Indonesian culture while tackling key global issues.
CHED Regional Office I expresses its gratitude to ITS Surabaya, whose generosity and collaboration have made international learning experiences accessible to Filipino students and educators.
Photo courtesy: ITS Surabaya

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | The Philippine Regulation Commission Regional Office 1 (PRC ROI), in partnership with Region 1 Teacher Education Advisory Council, CHED Regional Office 1, DepEd Regional Office 1, and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University -Mid La Union Campus, conducts a Mobile Outreach Program in San Fernando City, La Union on July 18, 2025.
Services offered by PRC RO1 are the following: Processing of Professional Identification Card (PIC) Renewal and Duplication, Processing of Application for Certifications and Authentications, Processing of Application for Good Standing, Processing of Exam Application, Stateboard Verification and Processing of Applications for Change of Status, Change of Name, and Change of Date of Birth.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔. 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘰

In a strong show of solidarity against the rising use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and vaping among the youth, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I, led by Director IV Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, joined the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine College of Chest Physicians Northwest Luzon Chapter (PCCP-BWL) for the initiative, “Protecting Young Lungs, Empowering Young Mind,” at Hudor Resort, Bauang, La Union on July 12, 2025.
The ceremonial MOA signing marked a collaborative milestone among local agencies and health professionals to strengthen advocacy, monitoring, and enforcement of anti-vaping measures within educational institutions in Region 1.
Spearheaded by the PCCP-BWL, under the leadership of Dr. Crisanta Gabriela B. Palabay, the event brought together key signatories, including:
• Dr. Jubert P. Benedicto, President of PCCP (National)
• Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Regional Director of CHED RO1
• Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, MD, MPH, CESO III of the Department of Health Region 1
• Dr. Tolentino G. Aquino, Regional Director of the Department of Education Region 1
Also gracing the event as witnesses were prominent figures from various sectors:
• Dr. Jennifer Ann Wi, Past President of the American College of Chest Physicians – Philippine Chapter
• Dr. Michael C. Bangloy, Head of the City Health Office representing City Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto
• Dr. Allyn Pacio, President of the La Union Medical Society
• Dr. Sheila Marie A. Primicias, Schools Division Superintendent
The MOA aims to bolster advocacy and information dissemination campaigns against vaping in Region 1 schools, establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating vaping-related incidents, and support the enforcement of anti-vaping policies across educational institutions.
In her message, Dr. Ferrer affirmed CHED RO1’s commitment to the health and well-being of tertiary-level students. She emphasized that CHED’s participation in the agreement reflects the commission’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being.
Through strong policy advocacy, quality education, and institutional support, CHED continues to promote healthy, smoke-free, and vape-free environments in all higher education institutions.
The event signaled a united front among health and education sectors in creating safer, healthier campuses for the youth—laying the groundwork for a future where informed decisions and empowered minds lead to tobacco- and vape-free lives.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈. 𝘋𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴

Through inclusive programs and services, CHED RO1 ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities to access quality higher education, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
This year’s theme, “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,” promotes the importance of collective action in creating a society where no one is left behind.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), CHED RO1 remains committed to breaking down barriers and nurturing equitable environments within the higher education sector.
This weeklong observance, celebrated from July 17 to 23, 2025 under Proclamation No. 597, s. 2024, is spearheaded by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) in advancing a more inclusive Pilipinas.
You may access the official design and collaterals here: https://bit.ly/NDRW2025Collaterals
Let us work hand in hand to build inclusive communities for all.
𝘣𝘺 𝘑. 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘻

The Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) conducted a hybrid validation visit at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on July 11, 2025, to evaluate the HEI’s BS Interior Design program as part of the process in securing a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC).
Dr. Raquel B. Florendo and Arch. Rossano G. Baradi, RQAT members, assessed various facets of institutional operations, encompassing administrative organization, academic instruction, research activities, outreach programs, governance mechanisms, and infrastructure resources.
They also reviewed the application reports, conducted on-site inspections of the institution’s library and laboratory facilities, and interviewed key personnel of the institution.
Engr. Leonora Quarte, Education Supervisor II for Engineering programs, provided technical assistance during the activity.
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 Dr. Fatima Rocamora, UNP’s vice president for research and extension and Dr. Ashley Paulino Martinez, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design.
𝘣𝘺 𝘓. 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦

This year, 18 Region 1 universities and colleges shine in 15 out of 16 WURI Innovation Categories. Here’s a snapshot of the standouts:
Urdaneta City University (UCU) clinched the No. 1 overall ranking in the Philippines and ranked 44th worldwide, dominating several key WURI category ranks:
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗔𝟯)
1st – World Rank
1st – Country Rank
𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 (𝗔𝟮)
4th – World Rank
1st – Country Rank
𝗦𝗗𝗚-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 (𝗔𝟴)
2nd – World Rank
2nd – Country Rank
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) also showed outstanding performance, placing 3rd in the world ranking and securing the 1st spot in the country ranking for Ethics and Integrity (A6).
Furthermore, Panpacific University, a private HEI, was recognized as 4th in the world ranking and 2nd in the country ranking for Ethics and Integrity category.
Meanwhile, Northwestern University, Inc. made a bold mark by claiming 3rd spot in the world ranking and 1st country ranking in Visionary Leadership (B1).
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) also improved its performance from the previous ranking, garnering 5th spot in the world ranking and 4th in the country ranking in Empowered-Based Management (B2).
Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union and the Union Christian College joined the roster of internationally-ranked HEIs in the region as they debut on the said ranking.
These wins reflect our region’s passion for social impact, industry partnerships, and innovation, representing the region’s collective pursuit of meaningful, impactful, and ethical education. As global competitiveness in education intensifies, the strong performance of Region 1 HEIs in the WURI Rankings signals a promising future for the education sector in the Ilocos Region.
“Seeing our universities gain recognition on a global stage fills me with immense pride,” says CHED RO1 RD Christine Nabor Ferrer.
“This achievement underlines what we can do when data, innovation, and collaboration intersect. We’re committed to scaling these best practices across all HEIs in Region 1—preparing graduates not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers that drive regional development,” Dr. Ferrer added.
👉 Swipe each slide for the full category breakdown. Stay tuned for our “Innovation in Action” mini-series!
#CHEDRO1 #WURI2025 #IlocosPride

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Ms. Eren Joy Bautista, Public Engagement Specialist of the US Embassy in the Philippines, conducts an orientation program on Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) for Region 1 HEI faculty members and students, via Zoom on July 15, 2025

CHED Regional Office I invites interested participants to a virtual information session on the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) – 2026 Academic Fellows Program.
🗓 July 15, 2025
🕘 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
📍 Via Zoom
🔗 Register now: https://tinyurl.com/CHEDRO1YSEALI
Learn how to apply and become one of Southeast Asia’s emerging leaders!
𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕. 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆.
#CHEDRO1 #YSEALI #GlobalLeadership #YouthEmpowerment #SDG4 #SDG17

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Workshop on the Proposed Revision of CMO No. 63, s. 2017: Aligning Policies and Strategies for Safer, More Effective Local Off-Campus Activities at the CHED Central Office Auditorium on July 14, 2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Public Consultation on the Proposed Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for the Master of Science in Nursing Program (Professional and Academic Track) and BS in Nursing Program Outcomes with Primary Health Care Competencies at Lafayette Luxury Suites, Baguio City on July 14-18, 2025