The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED RO1) visited the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan City, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City, and Northwestern University (NWU) in Laoag City for the evaluation of their Application and Recertification of Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) last July 29-31, 2025.
The three-day evaluation was led by Dr. Benilda Villenas, Co-Chair of the ETEEAP Technical Panel, alongside Dr. Alexander Franco Delantar and Dr. Bashiruddin A. Ajihil, joined by CHEDRO representatives Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, ETEEAP Focal of CHED RO1, and Ms. Mely Mar Perez of CHED Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD).
This activity underscores CHED’s ongoing commitment to advancing lifelong learning, recognizing prior learning, and building a more flexible and inclusive higher education system in the Philippines.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔.𝘍. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘢

To align the projects, plans, and activities for internationalization with the ACHIEVE agenda of Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1, cohosted the CHED International Affairs Service’s IZN Speakers’ Bureau and Planning Session at The Monarch Hotel, Calasiao, Pangasinan, from July 15 to 17, 2025.
The three-day event gathered CHED Regional Directors and Internationalization (IZN) focal persons to strengthen collaboration and align regional efforts with the Philippine Internationalization Roadmap.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED RO1, welcomed the participants and guests, setting the tone for a productive and meaningful session.
The program featured key presentations such as “Framing CHED’s Internationalization: Where Are We Headed?” and “Understanding CHED’s IZN Roadmap” by Atty. Lily Freida Macabangun-Milla, International Affairs Service Director.
Atty. Milla highlighted the 30-year strategic development of CHED’s internationalization goals and introduced systems such as MARA, MAHIQA, and ITAP to promote the use of artificial intelligence and enhance internal processes.
CHED Regional Office IZN Focal Persons also delivered presentations highlighting their respective initiatives and activities that promote internationalization in higher education, showcasing their best practices, collaborative programs, and strategies aimed at strengthening global linkages and enhancing the international profile of Philippine higher education institutions.
A special session was delivered by Dr. Roger Y. Chao Jr., Honorary Distinguished Professor at Kyungwoon University in South Korea, who spoke on how the Philippines can be positioned in the ASEAN and global IZN landscape.
Dr. Chao emphasized the ASEAN 2045 vision as resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered, emphasizing inclusive and transformative education, the development of a highly skilled workforce, and the importance of a shared ASEAN identity that is responsive to both local and global challenges.
The event also featured engagements with international partners and embassy representatives, adding valuable insight into international cooperation.
Among the guests were Mr. Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Malaysian Embassy; Ms. Nina Yulianti, Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy; Ms. Kimberley A. Cuesta, Business Development Manager of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade); Ms. Thelma Gecolea, Public Affairs Officer of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines; Ms. Angel Cachuela, Trade Commissioner from the Canadian Embassy; Mr. George Mesthos, Deputy Director for Public Engagement from the U.S. Embassy in Manila; and Ms. Christine Catindig, Professional Exchanges Specialist from the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Another highlight of the session was the group presentations by CHED IAS and IZN focal persons, showcasing programs, projects, and initiatives that support the IZN Roadmap. These collaborative outputs are vital to positioning Philippine higher education institutions as competitive, future-ready, and globally recognized.
The planning session concluded with a presentation of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) SDG Dashboard by Dr. Saturnina Nisperos and Dr. Mee Jay Domingo. The dashboard assessed the performance of internationally ranked Philippine institutions in terms of their contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
𝘣𝘺 𝘑. 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘻
#CHEDRO1

In a continued effort to promote digital transformation in government services, CHED RO1 staff virtually participated in the eGovPH Super App Orientation conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Region 1 (DICT-R1), via Google Meet
on August 7, 2025.
The initiative is aligned with the Government’s vision of Bagong Pilipinas, a digitally-ready and future-oriented economy, in adopting new technologies and embracing globalization.
The orientation introduced key features of the eGovPH Super App, a mobile application designed to streamline access to various public services.
Mr. Jovit Gelo Obaldo and Mr. Jomar Pumares, DICT R1 Project Development Officers I, provided a walkthrough of the app’s core features, including digital ID access, document requests, appointments for government services, and real-time updates from various government agencies.
Further, they shared insights on digital transformation strategies, the importance of cybersecurity, roadmap of e-government innovations, and the importance of inter-agency collaboration, digital literacy in embracing emerging technologies for a smarter and more connected government.
The participants also raised issues and concerns related to the eGov App, which were discussed and addressed accordingly as part of the open forum of the mentioned orientation program.
Finally, DICT R1 reminded the participants of the full utilization of the eGov App on all government transactions to further streamline public service delivery, enhance transparency, and promote digital efficiency across agencies
𝘣𝘺 𝘈. 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨

CHED Regional Office I, in coordination with the Commission on Audit, successfully conducted its Entrance Conference at the CHED Regional Office I Building, Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union on August 6, 2025.
The program began with a welcome message from Dr. Danilo B. Bose, followed by the acknowledgment of participants led by Mrs. Nympha N. Buenio, Chief Administrative Officer.
Mr. Lexus Jed A. Castañeda, State Auditor I, also took part in the proceedings.
A message from the Audit Team Leader was delivered by ATL Ms. Florence B. Dulay, followed by the Supervising Auditor’s Time led by RSA Alma L. Luna.
To formally close the activity, Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHEDRO I, gave a response on behalf of the Office.
The CHED ROI community looks forward to a productive engagement with the Commission on Audit as it continues to uphold the principles of good governance in all its programs and services.
𝘣𝘺 𝘑. 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘰

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I joins in the celebration of the founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)!
Through our programs in internationalization, regional collaboration, and support for accessible and quality higher education, CHED RO1 continues to be a responsive partner in advancing education that leaves no one behind and nurtures long-term development.
CHED RO1 remains in full support of the mission of ASEAN on unity, peace, and progress among Southeast Asian nations!