The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 proudly commends the exceptional performance of two higher education institutions in Region 1 that made it to the list of Top Performing Schools in the March 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET):

Elementary Level (100 or more examinees, at least 80% passing rate):
Rank 3

Pangasinan State University – Alaminos Campus: 89%
Rank 4

Pangasinan State University – Bayambang Campus: 88.72%

Secondary Level (300 or more examinees, at least 80% passing rate):
Rank 3

Pangasinan State University – Bayambang Campus: 85.78%

Secondary Level (50–99 examinees, at least 90% passing rate):
Rank 4

Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College – Main Campus: 95.88%

CHED RO1 lauds these institutions for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and their continued contribution to quality teacher education in the region.

𝘣𝘺 𝘔. 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘰

In a bold move to address the alarming 39% national dropout rate in tertiary education, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED ROI) launched Project GROWS (Guidance and Resilience for Opportunities and Well-being of Students) — gathering over 41 higher education institutions (HEIs) at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on May 19, 2025.

In partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and UNP, the initiative targets mental health challenges, low resilience, and career uncertainty to improve student success rates. “Access and Success” is one of the key pillars of CHED’s Strategic Plan for 2024–2028.

“Many students face stress, anxiety, and depression without the right support systems in place,” said Dr. Danilo Bose, CHED ROI Chief Education Program Specialist.
He added that through Project GROWS, CHED ROI aims to empower guidance counselors and institutionalize holistic student support systems.

Representing UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Albert Tejero welcomed the participants and emphasized the need to prioritize support for vulnerable learners, especially the dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Ms. Marivic Clarin, Chief of the Programs and Services Division of the OWWA, lauded the effort, calling it a pioneering collaboration.

“This partnership with CHED ROI is the first of its kind in the Philippines. I’m confident it will serve as a model for other OWWA regional offices,” she said.

Dr. Al Gerald Barde, Education Supervisor II and project lead, introduced Project GROWS as a multi-pronged approach integrating mental health programs, resilience training, and career placement services.

“Our key strategy to implement our activities for Project Grows is partnership with national government agencies such as OWWA, higher education institutions like UNP, local government units, professional organizations, and private institutions such as SeeMesol.

Dr. Barde introduced the upcoming activity with SeeMeSol, a hiring solutions platform that will link students and alumni to local and international employers.
Other key activities presented include: Guidance and Counseling Act Updates & Career Guidance Activities by Mr. Arnold Ancheta; Mental Health Support Programs by Dr. Carmela Domocmat; RACE Against Suicide Campaign in partnership with UNILAB, explained by Atty. Dessa Estrada; and Universal Prevention Curriculum & ETEEAP Opportunities for OFWs by Dr. Myrelle Faith Mina

OWWA’s Education and Training Head, Dr. Amapola Villar, also detailed the agency’s scholarship and educational assistance programs, including the Education for Development Scholarship, OFW Dependent Scholarship, and Skills for Employment Scholarship, among others.

In the afternoon session, Dr. Geraldeen Pascual of Mariano Marcos State University and Dr. Marifel Quemi-Acena of UNP shared best practices in delivering guidance and counseling in their respective institutions.

The event culminated in the signing of Memoranda of Agreement and Understanding (MOA/MOU) between OWWA and 31 HEIs in Region I, and the election of the Board of Directors for the revived Region I Association of Guidance Counselors.

“As the education sector grapples with dropout challenges, CHED ROI’s Project GROWS offers a timely, collaborative response, ensuring that access to education is paired with the support necessary for student success, ” said Dr. Bose in his closing remarks.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘎. 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦
#CHEDRO1

HAPPENING NOW | In partnership with CHED ROI, the Philippine Association for Graduate Education (PAGE) Region 1 conducts the Research Convergence 2025 with theme ” Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research and Publication for Sustainable Graduate Education” at DMMMSU-MLUC, City of San Fernando, La Union on May 23, 2025.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office I employees joined their counterparts from other regional and central offices to celebrate the 31st CHED Founding Anniversary and the 5th National Higher Education Day at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon City, from May 13 to May 15, 2025.
The theme “Higher Heights in Higher Education,” featured a series of engaging activities over three days.
The first day honored long-serving employees with Government Service Loyalty Awards.
Among the awardees were Ms. Evelyn Adquilen, Administrative Officer III (35 years of service), and Ms. Catherine Chan Education Supervisor II (30 years of service).
Also, the CHED employees who finished their master’s or doctorate degree under the Human Resource and Development Scholarship received recognition.
Finally, CHED recognized higher education institutions (HEIs) granted autonomous status, including Lyceum-Northwestern University.
The second day focused on the Resiliency and Excellence for Administrative Personnel (REAP) Program, a joint initiative of AFMS and HEDF and the OPSD Convergence.
The discussions addressed key operational issues, alongside motivational talks to inspire CHED personnel.
The final day was for the CEHD Family Day, featuring the oath-taking ceremony for the new CHED Employees Association (CHEDEA) officers, the Mr. and Ms. CHED competition, and a singing contest.
Parallel activities included Zumba sessions and a pickleball tournament.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV, said that the celebration highlighted CHED’s commitment to excellence, employee welfare, and the advancement of higher education in the Philippines.

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 joins the weeklong celebration of the 31st CHED Anniversary and the 5th National Higher Education Day from May 13-20, 2025.

This year’s theme, “Higher Heights in Higher Education,” honors more than three decades of championing accessible, inclusive, and globally competitive higher education in the Philippines.

As we mark this milestone, we renew our commitment to contributing in elevating Philippine higher education to even greater heights — through responsive policies, strengthened partnerships, and a shared vision for lifelong learning, sustainability, and nation-building.

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | CHED ROI personnel participate in the CHED General Assembly and Family Day as part of the celebration of the agency’s 31st Founding Anniversary and the 5th National Higher Education Day at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon City on May 15, 2025.

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!