CHED Region 1 kicks off immersion activity for agriculture students at the Department Agriculture Region 1- Research and Experiment Centers in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, on October 7, 2025.

CHED RO1 conducts 3rd Quarter Assessment, Review and Catch-Up Plan for CY 2024-2025, at 3rd Floor, CHED RO1 Conference Room, City of San Fernando, La Union, on October 6, 2025.

CHED RO1 inks Memorandum of Understanding with DOST R1 on National Science Week 2025 at 3rd Floor, CHED RO1 Conference Room, City of San Fernando, La Union, on October 6, 2025.

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1) assisted the Technical Panel (TP) and the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) members in the evaluation of graduate programs applied for Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) by public universities and Government Recognition (GR) by a private university in the region over two weeks in August 2025.
Here is the schedule of visits and the programs evaluated:
August 12, 2025 – Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) – Mid La Union Campus
PhD Mathematics Education, PhD Technology Education Management, Master of Arts in Mathematics Education
Master of Arts in Technology Education (majors in Technical-Vocational Education and Technology and Livelihood Education)
August 13, 2025 – DMMMSU – Open University System
Master of Arts in Science Education
August 14, 2025 – Pangasinan State University (PSU) – School of Advanced Studies (SAS)
PhD in Counseling, Master of Arts in Counseling
PSU – Open University Systems
Doctor of Education, Master of Arts in Education (majors in Educational Management and Instructional Leadership)
August 15, 2025 – PSU – SAS
PhD in Language Education (English and Filipino)
August 20, 2025 – Lyceum-Northwestern University
Master in Education (majors in Filipino, Mathematics, Chemistry, Language Teaching, Biology, Social Studies, and Technology and Livelihood Education)
August 22, 2025 – Urdaneta City University
Doctor of Education, Master of Arts in Education (major in Educational Management), Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Master of Arts in Special Education
Among the programs, only the PhD in Counseling and MA in Counseling at PSU-SAS underwent onsite evaluation, facilitated by TP member Dr. Irene Oael, with assistance from Ms. Charity Barrera of the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD).
All other programs were evaluated through the hybrid modality, with TP members participating via Zoom, including Dr. Michelle Mae Olvido, Dr. Maria Rita Lucas, Dr. Eduardo De Guzman, Dr. Shirley Cerbo, Dr. Jovy Peregrino, Dr. Ramir Austria, Dr. Angelica Cortez, Dr. Daisy Rosano, Dr. Allen Bautista, Dr. Remedios Bacus, and Dr. Brenda Corpuz.
Supporting the panel virtually were Ms. Pamela Llamedo and Ma. Kripper Valmonte, Education Specialists from OPSD.
Present onsite were the CHED ROI’s Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) members, namely Dr. Elsie Pacho, Dr. Luzviminda Relon, Dr. Cherrel Ignacio, and Dr. Rosabel Acosta.
In addition, Dr. Danilo Bose, Chief Education Program Specialist, extended assistance at PSU–OUS, while Dr. Al Gerald Barde, Education Supervisor II, assisted in the other higher education institutions and campuses.

CHED Region Office I proudly salutes our teachers—the heart of education, the mentors who inspire, and the heroes who shape generations. Your passion, patience, and commitment make learning possible and meaningful. Today, we honor YOU for your unwavering dedication. Mabuhay ang ating mga guro!

CHED RO1 and R1 HEIs visit the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation for Learning Exchange Activity on ETEEAP Implementation in Lucena City, Quezon, on October 3, 2025.

CHED RO1 conducts Orientation, Distribution, and Signing of Scholarship Contracts for the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP) and Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (CoScho) grantees at the Philippine College of Science and Technology at Calasiao, Pangasinan on October 3, 2025.

In celebration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1) reinforced its commitment to responsive and people-centered governance by holding the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training on September 26, 2025, at the CHED RO1 Conference Room, City of San Fernando, La Union.
As CHED RO1’s partner, the Department of Tourism Region 1 (DOT R1) provided the said training.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Engr. Angelica Q. Dolores, Supervising Education Program Specialist, who highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of service excellence in the public sector.
Dr. Al Gerald S. Barde, Education Supervisor II and focal person for the activity, introduced the resource speaker, Ms. Lorie Jane V. Rosales, a DOT-accredited speaker and FBSE Master Trainer.
Ms. Rosales guided the participants through four comprehensive modules designed to enrich their understanding of service standards in both tourism and public service.
The first module, The Philippine Tourism Industry Situationer and the FBSE Journey, provided a broad perspective of the country’s service landscape.
This was followed by The 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality and Service Excellence, which reflected the values of warmth, courtesy, and generosity that Filipinos are known for.
In The G.U.E.S.T. Steps to Service Excellence, participants learned structured approaches to enhance customer interaction.
Finally, The H.E.A.R.T. of Service Recovery emphasized strategies for addressing challenges and transforming service lapses into positive experiences.
Ms. Rosales engaged the participants through interactive workshops, wherein employees joined the group activities and role-playing scenarios which allowed them to apply the lessons in practical settings, making the learning process dynamic and enjoyable.
As a culminating activity, the employees took the Oath of Commitment to the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence which affirmed their dedication to delivering service characterized by integrity, professionalism, and compassion.

“𝘈 𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴
𝘈 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.
𝘈 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥-𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.
𝘈 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘴.
𝘈 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴.
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘮𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴.”
These words captured the essence of the Sinnaranay 2: Creative Region One Summit — a groundbreaking convergence born from the union of two major gatherings: the Region One Culture Conference (ROCC) 2 and the Culture and Arts Trainers and Instructors Summit (CATIS) 4, the Commission on Higher Education Region I’s flagship program.
With the theme, Empowering Creative Industries of Region I for a Vibrant Economy, the summit gathered higher education institutions, local government units, national government agencies, MSMEs, and other stakeholders at the Sison Theater and Auditorium in Lingayen, Pangasinan, on September 15 to 17, 2025.
On the first day, Hon. Ramon Guico III, Governor of the Province of Pangasinan, represented by Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, and Dr. Stephanie Christiansen, Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development I, shared their messages of support.
Dr. Marichu Tellano, Deputy Executive Director for Administration and Support Services of the National Commission for Culture and Arts, provided the rationale of the summit, which is anchored in the celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month based on Republic Act No. 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act of 2022.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling MSME products and the live loom weaving of a student of Nana Magdalena Gamayo, Region I’s very own Manlilikha ng Bayan, followed.
In the afternoon, workshops in song-making, tour guiding, pottery-making, creative storytelling, and more filled the halls — engaging over 800 students and instructors.
The second day brought enriching conversations on the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts (PDPCA), mapping of creative industries in higher education institutions, creative placemaking, and gastronomy tourism.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Regional Director of CHED Region 1, represented by Dr. Al Gerald S. Barde, Education Supervisor II and Focal for Culture and Arts, welcomed the participants.
“Culture is the soul of our communities. Our heritage shows resilience and identity, and we must preserve it while keeping it relevant for the youth. When culture thrives, communities and our region thrive.”
Ms. Tellano discussed the PDPCA, which upholds inclusivity of cultural development, stressing that “no culture should be left behind.”
For the session on Mapping of Creative Industries in Region 1 HEIs Using the LIKHA Model, Dr. Barde highlighted the role of higher education institutions in fostering creativity.
“HEIs should value creative works as much as they value research.”
In his talk on The Cultural Mapping and Its Relevance to the Creative Industries, Mr. John Delan L. Robillos, NCCA Cultural Mapping Resource Person, explained the importance of mapping heritage.
“Through cultural mapping, we connect heritage, creativity, and memory with innovation.”
Speaking on Creative Landscape in Region 1, Ms. Merlie D. Membrere, Acting Regional Director of DTI Region 1, recognized the richness of creativity in the region, saying, “Region 1 is rich in creativity—seen in our fabrics, crafts, festivals, and talents.”
In the discussion on Gastronomy Tourism, Ms. Cela Rose M. Garcia, Philippine Ambassador to the World Food Travel Association, explained the link between food and tourism, noting that “When gastronomy becomes an experience, it becomes tourism.”
Facilitated by Atty. Dessa U. Estrada, Education Supervisor II, a panel discussion on Government Programs Supporting Creative Industries participated in by NCCA, DTI Region 1, DOT Region 1, CHED Region 1, and the Pangasinan Provincial Government featured insights into various initiatives to strengthen creative industries.
After the program, HEI participants experienced the Banaan Museum Tour.
The last day highlighted Amianan Studies — methodologies, intellectual property rights, and design value chains.
During the session on Methodologies in Conducting Amianan Cultural Studies, Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, President of Pangasinan Polytechnic College, underscored the value of Amianan studies, saying, “Amianan studies matter because northern Luzon has a shared history that binds us as a region.”
In her presentation on Intellectual Property Rights, Engr. Jeanne Dugui-es Dangkeo, Intellectual Property Rights Specialist II of the IPO Philippines, reminded participants of the importance of legal protection.
“If you don’t file for it, someone else might. We maximize creations when they are licensed.”
The session on Paper Presentations on Pangasinan and Iloko Studies featured eight scholars from universities across Region 1 and facilitated by Engr. Leonora F. Quarte, Education Supervisor II.
In the session on Design Value Chain, Ms. Carla Mae Leonor, Chief Industrial Design Specialist of the Design Center of the Philippines, shared insights on maximizing the design value chain to enhance creativity and innovation.
The three-day summit also featured over 300 student performers from Koro Universidad de Dagupan, Pangasinan State University’s Matulunggaring Dance Troupe, the University of Luzon Drum and Bugle Corps, Urdaneta City University’s Orata Dance Troupe and Chamber Singers, and the PhilCST Chorale — all were given the Raniag Award for their exemplary performance.
“This is the biggest CATIS so far since this is a product of collaboration with the CHED Central Office through the Office of Programs and Standards Development, NCCA, DTI R1, the Regional Development Council, Pangasinan HEIs, and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, among others. Mabuhay ang Amianan Creative Industries!” remarked Dr. Barde.

Region 1 once again proved its excellence in the field of psychology as ten (10) graduates from higher education institutions in the Ilocos Region secured spots in the Top 10 of the September 2025 Psychometrician Licensure Examination.
At Rank 7, Angel Mae Lumbao Layos of Urdaneta City University, Pangasinan, achieved a rating of 88.2%.
Sharing the 8th spot are Joicerhy Ribo Bargamento of Lyceum Northwestern University, Dagupan City, and Danica Pearl Perlas Ricod of the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, both with a rating of 88.0%.
Meanwhile, at Rank 9 are three R1 examinees who garnered a rating of 87.8 %: Jolina Cacanando Diolanda of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus (DMMMSU-SLUC), Agoo, La Union, Jmari Buenvenida Melendez of Lyceum Northwestern University, Dagupan City, and Dannah Mae Abat Monis of DMMMSU-Mid La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC), San Fernando City, La Union.
Completing the list at Rank 10 with a rating of 87.6% are four examinees from the region: Arden Joanna Tajon Adriatico and Clarence Bonggawen Elveña of UNP Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; Raymond Bill Valdez Marquez; and Shari Ann Guillermo Servitillo of DMMMSU-MLUC, San Fernando City, La Union.
The CHED Regional Office 1 family extends its warmest congratulations to the successful passers. May their achievements inspire future board takers!