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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“We learned a lot from your visit. We are truly grateful for your suggestions and recommendations.”
Dr. Rowena De Guzman, Dean of the Osias Educational Foundation (OEF) Graduate School, expressed her appreciation following the monitoring visit of CHED Region I Education Supervisors in Balaoan, La Union, on February 22, 2025.
During the visit, Dr. Al Gerald Barde and Engr. Leonora Quarte provided detailed observations and recommendations to address identified gaps in OEF’s Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program.
They commended the expansion of the library and the enrichment of its resources, as well as the strong faculty line-up.
The supervisors also shared insights on further strengthening the institution’s curriculum and research initiatives.
“At first, we were nervous, but after your sharing and technical assistance, we now feel more encouraged to do better,” Dr. De Guzman remarked during the exit conference.
She also reaffirmed OEF’s commitment to actively participating in CHED programs and projects to continuously enhance the quality of education at the institution.
OEF, the only higher education institution in Balaoan, is led by its president, Dr. Danilo Concepcion.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘎. 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦
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The five-day Training on Social Media Management and Journalism came to a close as the CHED ROI SocMed Team engaged in a Workshop on Video Editing for the last leg of Project WRITES (Writing Responsibly Through Information Sessions, Training, and Engagement with Stakeholders), at the CHED RO1 Conference Hall, San Fernando City, La Union, on March 3, 2025.
Ms. Kristine Sheila Amoroso, Information Officer, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 1, shared their agency’s practices in Social Media Management and explained the importance of timely postings through the Social Media Calendar.
The CHED ROI Social Media Team again partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 1 for an intensive video editing training.
During the session, Mr. Kleve Laren Julian Ducusin, Project Development Officer, Department of Information and Communications Technology, discussed the basics of video editing using CapCut Application.
Mr. Ducusin also introduced other relevant video editing applications and tools that assist editors in crafting promotional videos and content videos.
The participants presented their content videos as an output during the workshop proper.
The awarding and closing ceremony of Project WRITES will be held on March 17, 2025.
𝘣𝘺 𝘒.𝘑 𝘝𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘰

To ensure quality and relevance of graduate programs, three Education Supervisors evaluated the graduate programs offered by the Polytechnic College of La Union (PCLU) in Agoo, La Union on February 1, 2025.
Using the CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 15, series of 2019 or the Policies, Standards and Guidelines for Graduate Education as their basis, Dr. Al Gerald Barde, Dr. Myrelle Faith Mina, and Engr. Leonora Quarte assessed the compliance of four graduate program offerings of PCLU: Master of Arts major in Educational Management, Master of Arts major in English, Master of Arts major in Mathematics, and Master of Arts major in Public Administration.
During the exit conference, the education supervisors discussed their findings alongside strategies to enhance their compliance especially on curriculum and publication.
They commended the HEI’s Graduate Program Manual of Operations and Research Manual.
Ms. Donna Marie Santos, PCLU President, shared her message gratitude for the visit and expressed her hope to implement all necessary actions to meet the requirements of the CMO.
PCLU is the only private higher education institution that offers graduate programs in Agoo.
At present, the dean of the graduate school is Dr. Rogelio Tangalin.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘎. 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦
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The sounds of learning filled the air at St. Mary’s College (SMC)—lecturers in full stride, students tuned in, and small groups deep in discussion under the covered walkways—welcoming CHED Region I Education Supervisors Dr. Al Gerald Barde and Engr. Leonora Quarte as they navigated the hallways toward the President’s Office for a courtesy call before their monitoring activity on March 8, 2025.
Dr. Conchita Filart, dean of the Graduate School, introduced the members of the SMC team; then, Dr. Barde explained the purpose of the visit, which is to assess the Master of Arts in Education program of the institution.
Shortly after, Dr. Leonida Sison, SMC President, arrived and welcomed the team, expressing her gratitude for their visit.
“Thank you for coming, and please help us improve our graduate program,” she said.
The supervisors proceeded with the evaluation – reviewing the curriculum, research and creative works policies, administration, faculty, and library.
Their observations were recorded in the evaluation tool based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2019, which outlines policies, standards, and guidelines for graduate education programs.
Named after the historic Santa Maria Church, a renowned minor basilica in Ilocos Sur, SMC is the only private higher education institution in town.
Dr. Sison credited the institution’s progress, particularly its increasing enrollment, to the divine guidance of Mama Mary but acknowledged the need for further improvements.
She emphasized that the comments and suggestions from the evaluation would serve as their basis for development.
Dr. Barde stressed compliance with national standards, noting that the government is “seriously” addressing educational gaps identified by EDCOM II.
“Graduate education schools must do their responsibility to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to effectively educate learners in both basic and higher education,” he said.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘎. 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦
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The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED ROI) underwent training in Photography and Photojournalism at the CHED ROI Conference Room on March 3, 2025.
During the fourth leg of Project WRITES (Writing Responsibly through Information Sessions, Training, and Engagement with Stakeholders), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) led the training.
Mr. Gerald Fabro, Administrative Officer of DICT RO1, discussed the fundamentals of photography and the types of shots that can be considered to highlight the image subject; while, Ms. Krizalynne Manzano underscored photojournalism as a form of visual storytelling and reporting to the reader.
“Through Photojournalism, we can tell a tale of what happened or transpired in a certain activity… It is not just merely taking shots from different angles but the importance of the quality of image and message it wishes to convey to our stakeholders and audiences,” Ms. Manzano said.
The participants also presented their outputs, applying the techniques learned during the training session.
Before the training, Ms. Carla Joyce Cajala, Science Research Specialist of Department of Science and Technology Regional Office I, shared the agency’s best practices in mitigating fake and irrelevant information as well as the importance of cohesiveness in relaying information to the stakeholders.
𝘣𝘺 𝘒.𝘑 𝘝𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘰
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𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪︱Higher Education Career Fair (HECF) at CSI Stadia, Lucao District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan, themed “Tagumpay mo, Kabataan, Pangarap ng Dagupan
CHED ROI hosts a booth where participants can inquire about the agency’s services.
Visit us today!

In celebration of National Women’s Month this March 2025, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED ROI) offered special services and promotions to honor women’s contributions in Region 1 through the “2025 Serbisyo Para Kay Juana” last March 6-8, 2025.

CHED ROI provided a special lane for the female applicants for Certification, Authentication and Verification (CAV), scholarships application, technical assistance, among others.

The service was align to the Philippine Commission on Women’s (PCW) “Serbisyo Para Kay Juana 2025” initiative, which encourages entities nationwide to extend gestures of appreciation to women and girls throughout March.

𝘣𝘺 𝘋.𝘑. 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘳
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