The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED RO1) visited the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan City, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City, and Northwestern University (NWU) in Laoag City for the evaluation of their Application and Recertification of Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) last July 29-31, 2025.
The three-day evaluation was led by Dr. Benilda Villenas, Co-Chair of the ETEEAP Technical Panel, alongside Dr. Alexander Franco Delantar and Dr. Bashiruddin A. Ajihil, joined by CHEDRO representatives Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, ETEEAP Focal of CHED RO1, and Ms. Mely Mar Perez of CHED Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD).
This activity underscores CHED’s ongoing commitment to advancing lifelong learning, recognizing prior learning, and building a more flexible and inclusive higher education system in the Philippines.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔.𝘍. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘢

To align the projects, plans, and activities for internationalization with the ACHIEVE agenda of Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1, cohosted the CHED International Affairs Service’s IZN Speakers’ Bureau and Planning Session at The Monarch Hotel, Calasiao, Pangasinan, from July 15 to 17, 2025.
The three-day event gathered CHED Regional Directors and Internationalization (IZN) focal persons to strengthen collaboration and align regional efforts with the Philippine Internationalization Roadmap.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED RO1, welcomed the participants and guests, setting the tone for a productive and meaningful session.
The program featured key presentations such as “Framing CHED’s Internationalization: Where Are We Headed?” and “Understanding CHED’s IZN Roadmap” by Atty. Lily Freida Macabangun-Milla, International Affairs Service Director.
Atty. Milla highlighted the 30-year strategic development of CHED’s internationalization goals and introduced systems such as MARA, MAHIQA, and ITAP to promote the use of artificial intelligence and enhance internal processes.
CHED Regional Office IZN Focal Persons also delivered presentations highlighting their respective initiatives and activities that promote internationalization in higher education, showcasing their best practices, collaborative programs, and strategies aimed at strengthening global linkages and enhancing the international profile of Philippine higher education institutions.
A special session was delivered by Dr. Roger Y. Chao Jr., Honorary Distinguished Professor at Kyungwoon University in South Korea, who spoke on how the Philippines can be positioned in the ASEAN and global IZN landscape.
Dr. Chao emphasized the ASEAN 2045 vision as resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered, emphasizing inclusive and transformative education, the development of a highly skilled workforce, and the importance of a shared ASEAN identity that is responsive to both local and global challenges.
The event also featured engagements with international partners and embassy representatives, adding valuable insight into international cooperation.
Among the guests were Mr. Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Malaysian Embassy; Ms. Nina Yulianti, Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy; Ms. Kimberley A. Cuesta, Business Development Manager of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade); Ms. Thelma Gecolea, Public Affairs Officer of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines; Ms. Angel Cachuela, Trade Commissioner from the Canadian Embassy; Mr. George Mesthos, Deputy Director for Public Engagement from the U.S. Embassy in Manila; and Ms. Christine Catindig, Professional Exchanges Specialist from the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Another highlight of the session was the group presentations by CHED IAS and IZN focal persons, showcasing programs, projects, and initiatives that support the IZN Roadmap. These collaborative outputs are vital to positioning Philippine higher education institutions as competitive, future-ready, and globally recognized.
The planning session concluded with a presentation of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) SDG Dashboard by Dr. Saturnina Nisperos and Dr. Mee Jay Domingo. The dashboard assessed the performance of internationally ranked Philippine institutions in terms of their contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
𝘣𝘺 𝘑. 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘻
#CHEDRO1

In a continued effort to promote digital transformation in government services, CHED RO1 staff virtually participated in the eGovPH Super App Orientation conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Region 1 (DICT-R1), via Google Meet
on August 7, 2025.
The initiative is aligned with the Government’s vision of Bagong Pilipinas, a digitally-ready and future-oriented economy, in adopting new technologies and embracing globalization.
The orientation introduced key features of the eGovPH Super App, a mobile application designed to streamline access to various public services.
Mr. Jovit Gelo Obaldo and Mr. Jomar Pumares, DICT R1 Project Development Officers I, provided a walkthrough of the app’s core features, including digital ID access, document requests, appointments for government services, and real-time updates from various government agencies.
Further, they shared insights on digital transformation strategies, the importance of cybersecurity, roadmap of e-government innovations, and the importance of inter-agency collaboration, digital literacy in embracing emerging technologies for a smarter and more connected government.
The participants also raised issues and concerns related to the eGov App, which were discussed and addressed accordingly as part of the open forum of the mentioned orientation program.
Finally, DICT R1 reminded the participants of the full utilization of the eGov App on all government transactions to further streamline public service delivery, enhance transparency, and promote digital efficiency across agencies
𝘣𝘺 𝘈. 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨

CHED Regional Office I, in coordination with the Commission on Audit, successfully conducted its Entrance Conference at the CHED Regional Office I Building, Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union on August 6, 2025.
The program began with a welcome message from Dr. Danilo B. Bose, followed by the acknowledgment of participants led by Mrs. Nympha N. Buenio, Chief Administrative Officer.
Mr. Lexus Jed A. Castañeda, State Auditor I, also took part in the proceedings.
A message from the Audit Team Leader was delivered by ATL Ms. Florence B. Dulay, followed by the Supervising Auditor’s Time led by RSA Alma L. Luna.
To formally close the activity, Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHEDRO I, gave a response on behalf of the Office.
The CHED ROI community looks forward to a productive engagement with the Commission on Audit as it continues to uphold the principles of good governance in all its programs and services.
𝘣𝘺 𝘑. 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘰

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I joins in the celebration of the founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)!
Through our programs in internationalization, regional collaboration, and support for accessible and quality higher education, CHED RO1 continues to be a responsive partner in advancing education that leaves no one behind and nurtures long-term development.
CHED RO1 remains in full support of the mission of ASEAN on unity, peace, and progress among Southeast Asian nations!

𝘌𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘴. 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘕𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦-𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.
The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I officially launched the ASEAN Month Celebration, showcasing the rich cultures of ASEAN member countries and promoting the organization’s core pillars on August 4, 2025.
Aligning with this year’s ASEAN Chairship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, led by Malaysia, this year’s celebration commemorates the 10th anniversary of the formal establishment of the ASEAN Community.
The celebration commenced with a simultaneous flag ceremony joined by all CHED Regional Offices nationwide, spearheaded by the CHED Central Office via Zoom.
A series of informative and engaging activities followed throughout the day.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV, welcomed the participants and emphasized the need for ASEAN awareness.
“I hope that other the food and the fun activities that we’ve prepared, may all of you have a deeper sense of awareness as CHED RO1 personnel of what ASEAN means in our work and how we, in our own capacity, are contributing to regional integration and global development goals,” Dr. Ferrer said.
In the morning session, Dr. Danilo B. Bose, Chief Education Program Specialist, shared the output of CHED RO1 during the CHED Strategic Planning on Expanded External Linkages and Partnerships anchored on the ACHIEVE Agenda.
Dr. Ferrer also conducted a session titled “IZN 101: Orientation on the Scope of Internationalization in CHED RO1”.
To further celebrate ASEAN culture, CHED RO1 personnel gathered for an ASEAN Salu-Salo, featuring traditional dishes from the ten (10) ASEAN Member States, highlighting regional diversity and culinary heritage.
In the afternoon, the office hosted the Search for Mr. and Ms. ASEAN 2025, where the Top 10 Best ASEAN-Inspired Attires were selected and showcased. This was followed by the ASEAN Quiz Bee, in which 30 CHED RO1 employees were randomly grouped into 10 teams, competing in a friendly quiz covering a wide range of ASEAN-related topics.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Engr. Angelica Q. Dolores, Supervising Education Program Specialist, who commended everyone for their active participation and commitment to promoting ASEAN awareness and regional solidarity.
𝘣𝘺 𝘑. 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘻

CHED ROI is proud to announce the names of the new MTP-SP Scholars for the SY 2025 – 2026. These eight ( 8 ) exceptional students are from the Urdaneta City University and the Mariano Marcos State University.
The MTP-SP aims to provide financial assistance to qualified and deserving students in allied and health-related programs and to meet the demands of the health labor market needs and existing frameworks on healthforce planning and equitable resource allocations.
The scholars upon passing the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Licensure Exams, shall render one (1) year of mandatory return service per year of the scholarship availed from the government in compliance with the Universal Health Care Act.
CHED ROI is proud of you!
#CHEDRO1

Anchored on the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ CHED RO1 continuously strengthens its advocacy toward the promotion of empowered learners and educators, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development and the cultivation of ASEAN-aware citizens.
To officially open the celebration, CHED ROI will conduct a Regional Kick-Off Ceremony, held simultaneously with the CHED’s National Kick-Off on August 4, 2025 (Monday).
Stay tuned for the exciting line-up of activities we have prepared to for the ASEAN Month Celebration in Region 1!

Higher Education Institutions in Region 1 once again proved their global competence as they bagged multiple recognitions in the recently concluded Virtual CommTECH Nusantara 2025, organized by Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya—one of the most active and generous international partners of CHED Regional Office I and Region 1 HEIs.
Out of 122 participants from 29 HEIs representing the Philippines, Malaysia, Russia, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Peru, Mexico, and Singapore, the Region 1 participants stood out during the said activity.
Among the highlights of the event was the outstanding performance of three student delegates who were awarded as 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀:
📍𝗝𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨)
📍 𝗖𝘆𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼, 𝗟𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗦𝗟𝗖 -𝗦𝗙𝗟𝗨)
📍𝗔𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗼𝗻 (𝗨𝗟)
As a result of their exceptional participation, Jed and Cyrene secured a full scholarship for the next cycle of CommTECH, while Alvin Carillo was granted a full scholarship for the International Staff Mobility (ISM) Program happening from September 29 to October 3, 2025.
Region 1 delegates also shone in the Special Awards Category, earning the following recognitions:
𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
📍 Princess A. Laña – Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union
📍 Kyro D. Arroyo – Mariano Marcos State University
📍 Rhonalie B. Apilado-Dumo – Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union
📍 Fregine A. Claveria – University of Luzon
𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
📍Trisha Zahmir – Mariano Marcos State University
𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱:
📍Abegail O. Habon – University of Northern Philippines
📍Ana Mae G. Fontanilla – Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union
CommTECH Nusantara is a virtual international program by ITS Surabaya that brings together students, faculty, and staff for cross-cultural learning. It includes lectures, cultural activities, team projects, and networking, aiming to build global awareness, leadership, and appreciation of Indonesian culture while tackling key global issues.
CHED Regional Office I expresses its gratitude to ITS Surabaya, whose generosity and collaboration have made international learning experiences accessible to Filipino students and educators.
Photo courtesy: ITS Surabaya

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | The Philippine Regulation Commission Regional Office 1 (PRC ROI), in partnership with Region 1 Teacher Education Advisory Council, CHED Regional Office 1, DepEd Regional Office 1, and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University -Mid La Union Campus, conducts a Mobile Outreach Program in San Fernando City, La Union on July 18, 2025.
Services offered by PRC RO1 are the following: Processing of Professional Identification Card (PIC) Renewal and Duplication, Processing of Application for Certifications and Authentications, Processing of Application for Good Standing, Processing of Exam Application, Stateboard Verification and Processing of Applications for Change of Status, Change of Name, and Change of Date of Birth.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔. 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘰