𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖
The CHED Regional Office 1 (CHED ROI) conducts R1 Shares Research Seminar at Patio by Balai Norte, San Juan, La Union on October 24, 2025.
The event is the first installment of a four-part CHED ROI project initiative on Research and Extension.

In a move to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the education sector, the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office 1, led by Regional Director Tolentino G. Aquino, convened its first-ever collaboration meeting with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office 1, headed by Regional Director Christine Nabor-Ferrer, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Office 1, represented by Acting Regional Director Socorro F. Galanto at the Executive Conference Hall, DepEd Regional Office 1, San Fernando City, La Union on October 8, 2025.
Dr. Nabor-Ferrer together with Dr. Angelica Q. Dolores, Supervising Education Program Specialist, and Education Supervisors II Dr. Myrelle Faith Mina and Dr. Mitchellene V. Rivo contributed insights on higher education programs and initiatives that align with the shared goals of DepEd and TESDA.
The meeting focused on presenting each agency’s mandates and ongoing initiatives, identifying potential areas for inter-agency collaboration, and outlining strategic directions to strengthen coordination and program implementation across the three education sectors.

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖
CHED ROI representatives attend the Coordination Meeting on the Implementation of the UniFAST at the CHED Auditorium, Quezon City on October 24, 2025.

The eight Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) in the region convened for the second time for the CHED ROI-initiated Maritime Advancements through Training and Collaboration Assembly (ATraCA), which featured a learning exchange visit on September 12, 2025, and a two-part faculty and student symposium conducted on October 9 and 20, 2025.
The activity highlighted the importance of sustainable maritime education and aimed to support MHEIs in their academic endeavors that align with the goals of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in terms of education and training.
For the learning exchange visit, CHED ROI officials, along with MHEI representatives, went to the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales, and were received by PMMA Superintendent Joel Abutal.
They engaged in benchmarking discussions with the PMMA’s key officials.
During the two-part symposium, CHED ROI Director Christine Nabor-Ferrer and OPSD OIC-Chief Education Program Specialist Jorel Ramirez rendered their message of support.
“CHED will always be your partner in producing an educationally qualified workforce. We continue working together, align our efforts, share our expertise, and uphold the values of integrity, excellence, and service,” said Director Ferrer.
Referring to the theme “Gearing up Maritime Education in Research, Industry Partnerships, Professional Learning Engagements, and Sustainability”, Mr. Ramirez mentioned that it was aligned with the demands of quality maritime education and that quality assurance is not a checkpoint but a sustainable journey.
On the first part of the symposium, C/Eng Jonathan Seguritan, MARINA Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisor, Engr. Felix Oca, PAMI Chairman, and C/Engr. Ronnie Basco, PMMA Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Finance, capacitated MHEI faculty members and administrators on the trends and issues of the maritime industry, quality governance, and green initiatives in the higher education landscape.
Maritime student leaders also attended the said symposium featuring speakers involved in maritime education and training.
Mr. Dan Aldrich Tolentino, Training Manager of Sharjah Maritime Academy, presented engagements for cadets to adapt to the emerging technologies of the industry, while Ms. Mary Ann Pastrana, Chairperson of APSTII, discussed social media ethics and awareness.
Further, Mr. Glenn Mark Blasquez, Chief Operations Officer of SIMS Training Center, addressed coping strategies and mental health awareness.
Finally, Dr. Amapola Villar-Zapanta, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Head of Education and Training Unit, outlined the agency’s support programs available to seafarers.
Dr. Danilo B. Bose, Chief Education Program Specialist, Dr. Angelica Q. Dolores, Supervising Education Program Specialist, Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor, and Mr. Kotaro Jncyrl Q. Velasco, Project Technical Staff II, spearheaded ATraCA.

Committed to opening global doors for Filipino scholars, the Commission on Higher Education – International Affairs Service (CHED-IAS), in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED ROI), conducted the Foreign Scholarships and Training Program (FSTP) at The Monarch Hotel in Calasiao, Pangasinan Held on October 23, 2025.
The FSTP brought together representatives from various higher education institutions in Regions I, II, III, and CAR, along with aspiring scholars, to explore a wide array of international learning opportunities.
The event placed a spotlight on the FSTP as one of CHED’s flagship initiatives, implemented in partnership with various foreign governments and institutions.
Funded through official development assistance, the program aims to strengthen the nation’s human resource capacity by equipping scholars with world-class education and technical expertise.
Over the years, FSTP scholars have returned to the Philippines with enhanced knowledge and leadership skills that contribute to national development and institutional growth.
To provide a clearer picture of the scholarship landscape, Ms. Mabel A. Gutierrez, OIC Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED’s International Affairs Service, gave an introduction to the FSTP and CHED’s role in the selection process, outlining how collaboration between local and international partners ensures fair and transparent scholarship opportunities for Filipinos.
The program also featured presentations from key international partners, beginning with Ms. Jewel Mae Regnim from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), who discussed available scholarship programs in Japan.
Her session was complemented by CDR Lana Rita Yap of the Philippine Coast Guard, who shared insights from her academic experience as a JICA scholar.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Ms. Subin Choi and Ms. Andrea Conopio, introduced their scholarship initiatives for Filipino professionals.
Ms. Janyne Luna of DTI – Nueva Ecija, followed by sharing her personal journey as a KOICA scholar in South Korea, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural learning and global cooperation.
Ms. Gutierrez also detailed the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, emphasizing Hungary’s commitment to educational exchange with the Philippines.
Dr. Dianne Joy Aguilon from the University of the Philippines Los Baños then shared her enriching experience as an SH scholar, emphasizing how international training broadens perspectives and fosters academic excellence.
Representing the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Ms. Rica Gabrielle Ortiz introduced various scholarship opportunities available for Filipinos in Taiwan, while Ms. Joanne Fajardo from the Philippine – American Educational Foundation wrapped up the day with an overview of the Fulbright Programs, highlighting the United States’ long-standing partnership with the Philippines in advancing educational exchange.
“The day concluded with a shared sense of inspiration among participants, serving as a reminder that education, when given the opportunity to cross borders, becomes a bridge that connects nations, cultures, and aspirations,” remarked Dr. Al Gerald Barde, CHED ROI’s Focal for Internationalization.
𝘣𝘺 𝘑. 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘻

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | The CHED-UniFAST team facilitates liquidation report review and provides on-site assistance in the preparation of billing documents at PHINMA UPang College Urdaneta in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan on October 23, 2025.

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | CHED ROI, in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1, holds the immersion of fishery students from Mariano Marcos State University, Currimao, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur at the Regional Freshwater Aquaculture and Technology Demonstraton Center, Paoay, Ilocos Norte on October 23, 2025.
The activity is a part of the 2025 Directions for Agri-Fishery Learners in the North (DALIN) which focus on exploring opportunites for collaboration and research at the BFAR and DA Research and Technology Centers in the region.

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | The CHED Regional Office I supervisors visit the Polytechnic College of La Union to monitor the implementation of Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) increase and assess the institution’s Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives in Agoo, La Union on October 23, 2025.

The CHED International Affairs Service conducted the Erasmus+ Caravan – Luzon Leg and collaborated with the CHED Regional Office I to host the event at The Monarch Hotel, Calasiao, Pangasinan on October 22, 2025.
This annual caravan serves as an avenue to deepen cooperation between the Philippines and the European Union through academic exchange, mobility programs, and institutional linkages.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED Regional Office 1, welcomed the guests and participants and emphasized the vital role of international education in nurturing future-ready Filipino graduates.
“The future of our HEIs truly hinges on how far we can expand our global footprint, how strategically we can establish sustainable transnational linkages, and how effectively we can integrate world-class practices into our local academic landscape.”
Ms. Mabel Gutierrez, Auxiliary ENFP and Officer-in-Charge of the Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED-IAS, presented the topic “Role of ENFP and CHED Erasmus+ Initiatives.”
She explained how CHED’s International Affairs Service functions as a bridge connecting Filipino scholars and HEIs to global learning opportunities and shared updates on ongoing internationalization projects, collaborative programs, and Erasmus+ initiatives that strengthen academic partnerships between Philippine institutions and European universities.
Representing the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, Ms. Thelma Gecolea, Public Affairs Officer, delivered an insightful presentation on the “Introduction to Erasmus+ and PH-EU Higher Education Cooperation.”
She provided an overview of the EU’s long-standing commitment to supporting higher education and cross-cultural learning among Filipinos and discussed how Erasmus+ has evolved into one of the most recognized international academic exchange programs, enabling thousands of students worldwide to gain access to quality education, mobility experiences, and intercultural skills.
Prof. Rolando Roncal Jr. from the College of Community Health and Allied Medical Sciences at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – South La Union Campus shared his experiences in International Credit Mobility as he discussed how student and faculty exchanges under the Erasmus+ program have enriched the academic environment at DMMMSU and expanded the horizons of both learners and educators.
He also detailed the process of applying for mobility grants, the benefits of exposure to different teaching methodologies, and the importance of building global connections.
Mr. Nicky C. Cardenas, Chief of Partnership and Linkages at Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa and Erasmus Mundus Association Country Representative for the Philippines, discussed the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree program. He elaborated on the application process, eligibility criteria, and the life-changing opportunities it offers for Filipino graduates.
He shared his own experiences as an EMJMD scholar, reflecting on how studying in Europe not only provided academic advancement but also broadened his cultural and professional perspectives.
Dr. Stephenie Busbus, Director of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs at Saint Louis University, delivered a session on Capacity Building in Higher Education wherein she explained how these programs support institutional development, curriculum innovation, and joint research between Philippine and European universities.
Dr. Busbus shared ANTENA Project that improved the quality of education, enhanced faculty competencies, and promoted research collaboration.
An open forum followed, wherein participants interacted with the speakers. Students and faculty representatives raised questions about scholarship requirements, institutional collaborations, and strategies for increasing international mobility participation.
The program concluded with Dr. MD Ashiqur Rahman, Regional Project Manager for Asia of the Centralised Support to the Network of Erasmus+ National Focal Points, who delivered the closing remarks. He expressed gratitude to CHED and the EU Delegation for their strong partnership in advancing international education in the Philippines.
Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and shared that the Erasmus+ network remains committed to supporting Filipino scholars, universities, and policymakers in their internationalization journey.
“The exchange of ideas created an atmosphere of curiosity and inspiration, reinforcing the event’s purpose: to empower Filipinos to dream bigger, explore global opportunities, and bring back knowledge that strengthens the nation’s higher education system,” said Dr. Al Gerald Barde, Education Supervisor II and CHED ROI Focal for Internationalization, when asked about his impressions on the event.