In compliance with Republic Act 12021, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta of the Filipino Seafarers,” CHED RO1 participated in the Commission on Higher Education-Maritime Industry Authority (CHED-MARINA) Transition Workshop at the Bayview Park Hotel, Malate, Manila, on September 17-19, 2025.
The workshop aims to orient MARINA on the documentary requirements and pertinent data to be utilized upon their assumption of jurisdiction over Maritime Education, which will formally commence in Academic Year (AY) 2026–2027.
Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) Director Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego graced the activity and pointed out the significance of the workshop in facilitating a smooth and efficient transfer of the identified data to the concerned agency by Academic Year 2026–2027.
Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisors (METSS) Mr. Herbert Nalupa and Engr. Ronnie Gernato discussed the details of the transition guidelines with the participants.
As part of MARINA’s benchmarking activities to CHED, CHED CARAGA presented the process flow for Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Validation (eCAV), while CHED RO 11 discussed salient features of their Online Special Order (SO) Application system.
In the workshop proper, the participants identified the possible relevant data to be transferred as well as the issues and concerns of both agencies, prior to MARINA’s assumption on Maritime Education, starting next year.
CHED RO1 Education Supervisor, Dr Myrelle Faith Mina, and Project Technical Staff, Kotaro Jncyrl Q. Velasco, represented the office and attended the said workshop.

The monitoring team of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) jointly conducted a visit to Polytechnic College of La Union’s BS Marine Transportation Program in Agoo, La Union, on September 16 to 19, 2025.
The purpose of the said visit was to ensure compliance with the policies, standards, and guidelines for maritime education as offered by the institution, per Joint CHED-MARINA Memorandum Circular (JCMMC) No. 1, series of 2022, as amended.
Capt. Ronald Sediego, Ms. Jelica Aubrey Tuliao, Ms. Ejean Pearl Bernardino, Mr. Moises B. Cabreros, and Dr. Angelica Q. Dolores composed the CHED-MARINA Monitoring Team.
The results of the mentioned evaluation were discussed with the Maritime Higher Education Institution (MHEI) Officials.

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | The CHED Regional Office I assists in the distribution of UniFAST stipends to the grantees of 1st District of Ilocos Norte. A total of 2,263 grantees are receiving their stipends today: 1,539 from Data Center College of the Philippines-Laoag, 459 from Mariano Marcos State University, and 265 from Northern Christian College at the Marcos Stadium, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1, in partnership with Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 1 (DA RFO 1) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office 1, is holding the 2025 Directions for Agri-Fishery Learners in the North (DALIN) at the 5F Conference Room DA Building, Aguila Rd., Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union on September 19, 2025.

Ms. Jeorgette Yzabel Adraneda Bernaldo of Pangasinan State University – Lingayen Campus ranked 8th in the September 2025 Licensure Examination for Social Workers.
Ms. Bernaldo garnered an 89.40% 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!

The Pangasinan State University (PSU) and Urdaneta City University (UCU) have been recognized as top-performing schools with 10 to 50 examinees in the September 2025 Licensure Examination for Social Workers.
Both PSU and UCU achieved a 100% passing rate, with 48 passers from PSU and 24 passers from UCU.
From your CHED RO1 family, congratulations!

Representatives from CHED RO1 and Region I Maritime Higher Education Institutions (R1 MHEIs) gathered at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) for a learning exchange visit on the academic processes related to the delivery of maritime programs in San Narciso, Zambales on September 12, 2025.
On its second year, the said activity is a part of the regional initiative dubbed as “Maritime Advancements in Training and Collaboration (ATraCA) which aimed to sustain quality maritime education through engagements in research collaboration, professional engagement, and sustainability-driven dialogues.
Commo. Joel Abutal, PMMA Superintendent received the CHED RO1, and R1 MHEIs as well as delegates from the Philippine Public Safety Academy (PPSA) with their traditional military side boys and were accommodated at the PMMA Amphitheater.
Dr. Danilo B. Bose, Chief Education Program Specialist, rendered a message of appreciation to the PMMA Management.
“As we gather here at PMMA, an institution whose legacy continues to inspire excellence and innovation, we are honored to learn from your institutional strategies and, in turn, share insights that may contribute to mutual advancement,” said Dr. Bose.
Engr. Ronnie Basco, Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Finance discussed the history of the academy tracing back from 1820, admission processes, cadet tactics, research upscaling initiatives, academic processes and even presented their 2031 Development Plan.
During the Open Forum, the MHEIs provided areas for collaboration and exchanged dialogues in curriculum, instruction and resource sharing opportunities with PMMA.
It was also noted that the Academy was willing to participate in capacity building platforms for internationalization as part of their mandate in sustaining quality higher education.
The PMMA Officials also accompanied the participants during the tour of facilities in which they showcased their academic buildings, Marine Transportation and Engineering simulators, and Offices.
Dr. Angelica Q. Dolores, Supervising Education Program Specialist, Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Eduxation Supervisor II, and Mr. Kotaro Jncyrl Q. Velasco, Project Technical Staff represented CHED ROI.
The activity also served as a prelude to the second part of the Maritime ATraCA, which will culminate through a Regional Maritime Symposium on September 22–23, 2025, in San Fernando City, La Union.
The event will gather MHEI student leaders, faculty, and invited speakers from the maritime industry.
𝘣𝘺 𝘒.𝘑. 𝘝𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘰

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 proudly presents the Culture and Arts Trainers and Instructors Summit (CATIS) 4 on September 16-17, 2025, at Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
This year’s theme, “Opening Amianan Creative Corridors: Forging Pathways for Region I Talents and Cultural Heritage”, promises to be an exciting and enriching experience. The summit will feature plenary talks, panel interviews, cultural performances, research presentations, and a Banaan Museum tour.
Mark your calendars and be a part of this summit!