The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1) continues to champion volunteerism in higher education by facilitating the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and 15 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region 1 on March 28, 2025.
Dr. Donald James Gawe, Executive Director of PNVSCA along with Deputy ED Ela Victoria Sarmago, and Mr. Jeffrey Almazan, Vol Service Officer II graced the said event.
As the lead facilitator, CHED RO1 plays a crucial role in bridging the academe and national volunteer initiatives, ensuring that HEIs integrate service-learning and volunteerism into their programs. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), underscoring education’s transformative power beyond the classroom.
The 15 HEIs that have committed to fostering a culture of volunteerism are:
✅ Divine Word College of Laoag
✅ La Union Christian Comprehensive College
✅ Lyceum-Northwestern University
✅ Osias Educational Foundation
✅ Panpacific University
✅ Philippine College of Science and Technology – Calasiao
✅ Pangasinan Polytechnic College
✅ Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan
✅ Union Christian College
✅ University of Eastern Pangasinan
✅ University of Luzon
✅ University of Northern Philippines
✅ University of Pangasinan
✅ Urdaneta City University
✅ Virgin Milagrosa University Foundation
Through CHED RO1’s active leadership and coordination, these HEIs are now better equipped to inculcate civic responsibility, social awareness, and community engagement in their students. By strengthening volunteer programs, CHED RO1 ensures that higher education institutions produce not only academically competent graduates but also socially responsible citizens who are ready to serve their communities and the nation.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔. 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘰

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I congratulates Dr. Mario P. Obrero on his election as the 5th President of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College!
As Dr. Obrero assumes this position, we extend our best wishes for an inspiring and forward-thinking leadership journey ahead!
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𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | CHED ROI attends and discusses scholarship programs during the 2025 Senior High School Summit Fair Cum Career Expo at San Carlos City, Pangasinan
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In a bid to strengthen collaboration and foster partnerships in criminal justice education, Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor II of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1), along with officers from the Council of Criminal Justice Educators (CCJE) Region 1 and the Professional Criminologist Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Region 1, paid a courtesy call and held a meeting with Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) Regional Director, PBGEN Lou F. Evangelista, at Camp BGen Oscar M. Florendo, Parian, City of San Fernando, La Union, on March 18, 2025.
Dr. Aurora Laroya, Dean of the Institute of Criminology at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University and President of CCJE RO1, along with Dr. Ambrosio Detran, Governor of PCAP Region 1, also graced the meeting.
The visit was geared toward coordinating the activities of the professional organization, academic institutions, and PRO1 in producing capable and morally sound criminology graduates who will be able to contribute to national development and public safety.
The meeting also touched on the necessity of organizing a chapter of PCAP in PRO1 to facilitate continuous professional development programs for police officers in the region.
Dr. Mina, on behalf of CHED RO1, expressed her gratitude for the hospitality of PRO1 in nurturing an active collaboration with higher education institutions.
“With this collaboration, our future criminologists are properly prepared, well-informed, and capacitated with the required competencies to serve the nation with excellence and integrity,” Dr. Mina said.
The courtesy call concluded with a commitment from parties to establish sustainable initiatives that will reinforce the link between academic institutions and PRO1.
Moving forward, CHED RO1, CCJE Region 1, PCAP Region 1, and PRO1 will conduct the PCA 2.0 dubbed as “Peace Education, Crime Prevention Education and Anti-Drug Strategies and Police-Community Academy” on April 10-11, 2025 at Police Regional Office 1, Parian, San Fernando City, La Union reinforcing a shared vision of upholding justice, security, and academic excellence in Region 1.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔.𝘍. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘢
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The Region I Universities and Colleges League of Sports Leaders (R1 UCLSL) officers took their oath of office at the CHED Region I Conference Room, CHED ROI Building, City of San Fernando, La Union on March 17, 2025.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED ROI, administered the oath-taking.
The newly inducted officers of R1 UCLSL are:
President: Mr. Paulo Jan F. Samson (DMMMSU)
Vice President for External: Mr. Reynaldo I. Ata (PAMMA)
Vice President for Internal: Mr. Jorge B. Ceralde (LNU)
Secretary: Ms. Judy B. Estonilo (DMMMSU)
Deputy Secretary: Mr. Rigoberto Tomas L. Buccat (LORMA)
Treasurer: Mr. Ryan Dean Sucgang (MMSU)
Auditor: Mr. Dante Camaso (VMUF)
Provincial Coordinator (Ilocos Norte): Mr. Alvin Tugaoen (NWU)
Provincial Coordinator (Ilocos Sur): Mr. Joel Arruejo (UNP)
Provincial Coordinator (La Union) Ms. Kahreen Lou Mondina (SLC)
Provincial Coordinator (Pangasinan): Mr. Reynel Crisostomo (PHCP)
“May you be active partners in advancing sports and wellness initiatives in higher education institutions, as we advocate for the holistic development of the youth,” Dr. Ferrer said.
Following the oath-taking, the officers, together with Dr. Al Gerald Barde, Education Supervisor II and Focal Person for Sports, and Mr. Cholo Escobar, Regional Sports Coordinator, held a planning session.
The agenda included modifying the organization’s name from R1 UCL to R1 UCLSL, registering the organization, reviewing the Constitution and By-Laws, and identifying major activities for the year.
During the session, Dr. Samson presented the organization’s accomplishments from the previous year, while Mr. Escobar provided a summary of collected data on RA 11180, also known as the Athletic Programs Report, from higher education institutions in the region.
Dr. Barde highlighted existing gaps in sports programs among HEIs and emphasized the need to address them in R1 UCLSL’s plans.
“The significant number of HEIs without sports programs and the marginalization of certain sports should serve as baseline data for our training programs,” he said.
Among the major activities planned for the year are the conduct of friendship games, the inclusion of foreign students and persons with disabilities in sports events, and the general assembly of sports leaders.
Dr. Samson expressed gratitude to the officers for their commitment to the organization.
“Let us continue our efforts to elevate collegiate sports in the region,” he said.
𝘣𝘺 𝘊. 𝘌𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘳
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In a dazzling display of artistry and teamwork, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1) emerged as a standout performer during the Grand People’s Parade—Pista ti Ragsak Ken Panagkaykaysa, the 27th City Foundation Anniversary of San Fernando, La Union—securing the Champion title for Best Choreography and 1st runner-up in Best Costume.
CHED RO1’s performance wowed the audience and judges alike with its precise choreography and visually stunning costumes inspired by the Panagbenga Festival—a metaphor for how higher education institutions in the region, represented by the flowers, blossom through partnerships and support from various local government units, organizations, and stakeholders.
CHED ROI’s win dyed the meticulous preparation and dedication of the performers, whose seamless coordination and expressive movements conveyed both energy and narrative of unity in the higher education sector.
The parade showcased the vibrant creative and cultural spirit of participating barangays, agencies, organizations, and other groups, featuring intricately designed and culturally infused floats, dynamic performances, elaborate costumes, and synchronized movements.
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