he member agencies and local government units under the Culture Support Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC) convened for the Second Semestral Meeting at the Hudhud Room of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Office in Intramuros, Manila on April 23, 2025.
Ms. Marichu G. Tellano, Chairperson of the RDC Culture Support Committee, presided over the meeting.
During the meeting, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented updates on the Creative Industry Directory and the Ilocos Region Handloom Collective Mark Development Program.
DTI also shared its plan to establish the Region I Creative Industry Council, in which CHED Region I is identified as one of the prospective members.
Mr. Alexander Nicole Angeles of the NCCA shared the highlights of the first Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting for the upcoming Second Region One Culture Conference (ROCC).
The Second ROCC is tentatively set for September 9–10, 2025, to highlight the celebration of Philippine Creative Industries Month and promote the significance of creative industries in regional growth.
CHED Region I has been requested to assist in coordinating cultural presentations by performing groups in Pangasinan higher education institutions (HEIs) during the conference.
Dr. Al Gerald S. Barde, CHED Region I Education Supervisor II and focal person for culture and arts, represented Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV, in the meeting and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment.
CHED ROI also coordinated with the performing groups in La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte during the first ROCC in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur in 2023.
Moreover, the National Economic and Development Authority Region I presented the 2024 Accomplishment Report and discussed the 2025 Work Program of the RDC Culture Support Committee.
The last agenda item was the update on AWENG 2025: Region I IP Summit, spearheaded by the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region I.
According to NCIP, the summit, themed Affirming the Indigenous Way of Life, Echoing to the New Generation, aims to promote indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices among younger generations.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘎. 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦
📷: Mr. Nicole Angeles

In the second episode of Project CHANGE (CHED RO1 and HEIs Acquiring Networks for Global Engagement), CHED RO1 invited the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to an online information session with Region I higher education institutions on May 6, 2025, via Zoom.
Representing PolyU were Dr. Eric Friginal, Professor and Head of the Department of English and Communication; Dr. Rickey Lu, Coordinator for International Programmes; and Dr. Max Diaz, Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Programme Leader.
Dr. Friginal presented an overview of PolyU, highlighting its global standing as a leading public university in Hong Kong known for applied research, innovation, and industry-relevant academic programs. He also discussed potential areas of collaboration with HEIs in the region.
The session was attended by officials and representatives from various HEIs in the region, signaling continued efforts to strengthen international academic partnerships and global engagement.

The CMSP offers financial assistance to qualified and deserving students based on merit and academic performance with a general weighted average of 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟵𝟯% 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁.
Interested applicants must submit the following requirements:
✅ Photocopy of Birth Certificate issued by PSA or NSO
✅ Certified true copy of High School Report Card (Form 138) for the incoming first year
Any of the following documents:
✅ Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of Parents or Guardian (Certified True Copy)
✅ Certificate of Tax Exemption from the BIR (Certified True Copy)
✅ Case Study Report from DSWD (Certified True Copy)
✅ Latest Copy of Contract of Income may be considered for children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Seafarers (Certified True Copy)
Additional Requirements:
✅ Certificate of Membership for Indigenous Peoples
✅ Certification/ ID from DSWD for Underprivileged and Homeless Citizen, PWDs, Solo Parents, and Senior Citizens
Send your complete requirements to https://stufaps.chedro1.com/application2025
Application is open from May 5 to June 20, 2025.
#CHEDRO1

Engr. Samuel F. Flores of the Universidad de Dagupan (UdD) ranked 3rd in the April 2025 Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination.
Engr. Flores garnered a 92.70% 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!

Officials from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 1 visited the CHED Regional Office 1 to discuss plans for the upcoming Project GROWS (Guidance and Resilience for Opportunities and Well-being of Students), scheduled on May 19, 2025 at the University of Northern Philippines, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED ROI welcomed the officials of OWWA and discussed potential areas for collaboration such as scholarship orientations and career fairs.
Dr. Al Gerald S. Barde, Education Supervisor of CHED ROI led the meeting, which focused on the arrangements of the activity and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between HEIs and OWWA Region 1 to streamline coordination in delivering services to OWWA-affiliated students.
Ms. Marivic C. Clarin, Chief for Programs and Services Division of OWWA R1 along with Dr. Amapola Z. Villar, Head, Education and Training Unit; Mr. Ian J. Galutan, IT Training Program Instructor; Ms. Stephanie SM G. Mayo, ELAP Coordinator; and Mr. Rudy F. Pascua
EDSP and ODSP Coordinator, visited the office and expressed their support for the said event.
Project GROWS is an initiative of CHED Region 1 in partnership with OWWA, aimed at empowering guidance counselors and establishing a comprehensive student support system.

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED Regional Office 1 leads the Regional Multi-Sectoral Committee on Tuition and Other Fees (RMSCTOF) Meeting at the CHED Regional Office 1 Conference Hall, San Fernando City, La Union on April 29, 2025.

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | The CHED RO1 Quality Management Systems Core Team attends the ISO 9001:2015 Foundation Course at the 3rd Floor Conference Room, CHED Regional Office I, City of San Fernando, La Union, April 28, 2025.

In support of promoting lifelong learning, the CHED Regional Office 1 (CHED ROI), along with various higher education institutions in Region 1, participated in the Public Orientation on CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 1, series of 2025, at Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Pampanga, on April 25, 2025.

CMO 1, s. 2025, also known as the “Guidelines for Micro-credential Development, Approval and Recognition in Higher Education,” outlines the national framework for developing and recognizing micro-credentials in the Philippine higher education system.

Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV and Dr. Al Gerald S. Barde, Education Supervisor II of CHED ROI joined the said orientation along with 16 HEIs in the region.

The orientation was led by the Technical Working Group (TWG), chaired by CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela, discussed the key components of the guidelines, including scope and coverage, principles, delivery methods, framework, and essential elements of micro-credentials.

The TWG members present were Dr. Angelica Cortez, Dr. Greg Pawilen, Ms. Irene Isaac, Prof. Rolando Talampas, Dr. Reynaldo Vea, and Dr. Trixie Marie Sison, all contributing their expertise to the formulation of the guidelines.

Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, Director IV of the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD), provided the rationale and objectives of the orientation.

Atty. Cinderella Filipina Benitez-Jaro, CHED Executive Director, emphasized the four guiding principles of micro-credential development: lifelong learning, portability, balance, and quality assurance in her closing remarks.

The following HEIs in the region joined the said orientation:

San Carlos College
Panpacific University
Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation
University of Eastern Pangasinan
Perpetual Help College of the Philippines
Mariano Marcos State University
Saint Louis College
Universidad de Dagupan
Northwestern University
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
Lyceum-Northwestern University
Binalatongan Community College
Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy
The Great Plebeian College
Bayambang Polytechnic College
Divine Word College of Laoag

The Police Community Academy 2.0, a bold initiative under the theme “Peace Education, Crime Prevention Education, and Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategies” brought together student leaders, educators, and law enforcement agencies in a united front for police and community partnership on April 10–11, 2025, at the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) in Parian, San Fernando City.
Structured through the dynamic convergence of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1), Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1), and the Professional Criminologist Association of the Philippines and Council of Criminal Justice Educators – Region 1 (CCJERO1), the event provided a forum to empower the next generation of criminologists as peace makers and educators, leaders, and values-driven civic actors.
The activity sought to enhance leadership, decision-making, and crisis management capabilities, support the execution of Higher Education Institutions’ Philippine Anti- Illegal Drugs Strategies (PADS) programs and projects; encourage a holistic and community-oriented approach in addressing illegal drugs and criminality; enhance peace education and civic responsibility in public safety and community service, and enhance institutional partnerships among the PNP, CHED RO1, PCAP1, CCJERO1, and Region 1 academic institutions.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED ROI lauded the initiative as a groundbreaking model of academe-government synergy.
“This collaboration exemplifies our vision of producing holistically developed learners—student leaders who are driven by purpose and a deep sense of social responsibility. CHED fully supports the integration of peace education, crime prevention, and anti-illegal drugs strategies into the higher education landscape,” Dr. Ferrer said.
Participants engaged in lectures on leadership and patriotism ethics and moral values; handcuffing, proper handling of arrest, and stop-and-frisk and search-and seizure- exercise; and crisis management.
Other government agencies also participated in the lecture including the Commission on Population Development on Teenage Pregnancy; the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Regional Office 1 (NICA RO1) on Anti-Terrorism, Human Rights, and Social Change; Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-RO 1 on Drug Prevention, Education, and Awareness Campaign.
Recruitment processes on PNP, BJMP, BFP, PCG, and PAF were also discussed. A simple retreat on Mental and Health Wellness, Strengthening Inner Resilience, was also officiated by Dr. Maria Bryce.
The Regional Mobile Force Battalion 1 also showcased a demonstration on Civil Disturbance Management (CDM), Close Quarter Battle (CQB), and Immediate Action Drill (IAD) prior the closing ceremony.
The event brought together 354 Criminology students and 67 faculty members, as well as the regional officers from CCJERO1 and the PCAP1, representing 29 HEIs in the region.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔.𝘍. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘢

For the second time, the CHED Regional Office 1 partnered with SeeMeSOL, a hiring solution that collaborates with HEIs to enhance their career services and employability programs, for a virtual information session titled ‘Beyond the Diploma: Education-to-Employment Pathways,’ via Zoom on April 15, 2025.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED RO1, welcomed the participants and highlighted how CHED RO1’s initiative under Project CHANGE (CHED RO1 and Higher Education Institutions Acquiring Networks for Global Engagement) calls for innovation in helping students and graduates acquire employment.
“If Project CHANGE stands for anything, it is this — real change in education is not about doing more of the same. It is about rethinking the ends we serve, the means we employ, and the futures we build together,” Dr. Ferrer said.
Ms. Angel Dastjerdi, Head of Business Development at SeeMeSOL, oriented the participants about the services they offer, specifically in integrating Alumni Tracer Study, Career Talks and Industry Linkages, Student Preparation and Video CV, AI Mock Interviews, English Language Assessment, and Virtual/Hybrid Job Fairs into HEIs’ career portals.
Mr. David Padgett, CEO and President of SeeMeSOL, also graced the event and delivered the closing remarks.
Currently, the region has 12 HEIs that have partnered with SeeMeSOL, and CHED RO1 envisions adding more HEIs to partner with SeeMeSOL and launch their career portals before the school year ends.
The info session was attended by various HEI Vice Presidents, Alumni Officers, Guidance Counselors, International Relations Officers, Student Affairs and Services Directors, and other administrators from various HEIs in the region.