In a strong show of solidarity against the rising use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and vaping among the youth, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I, led by Director IV Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, joined the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine College of Chest Physicians Northwest Luzon Chapter (PCCP-BWL) for the initiative, “Protecting Young Lungs, Empowering Young Mind,” at Hudor Resort, Bauang, La Union on July 12, 2025.
The ceremonial MOA signing marked a collaborative milestone among local agencies and health professionals to strengthen advocacy, monitoring, and enforcement of anti-vaping measures within educational institutions in Region 1.
Spearheaded by the PCCP-BWL, under the leadership of Dr. Crisanta Gabriela B. Palabay, the event brought together key signatories, including:
• Dr. Jubert P. Benedicto, President of PCCP (National)
• Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Regional Director of CHED RO1
• Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, MD, MPH, CESO III of the Department of Health Region 1
• Dr. Tolentino G. Aquino, Regional Director of the Department of Education Region 1
Also gracing the event as witnesses were prominent figures from various sectors:
• Dr. Jennifer Ann Wi, Past President of the American College of Chest Physicians – Philippine Chapter
• Dr. Michael C. Bangloy, Head of the City Health Office representing City Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto
• Dr. Allyn Pacio, President of the La Union Medical Society
• Dr. Sheila Marie A. Primicias, Schools Division Superintendent
The MOA aims to bolster advocacy and information dissemination campaigns against vaping in Region 1 schools, establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating vaping-related incidents, and support the enforcement of anti-vaping policies across educational institutions.
In her message, Dr. Ferrer affirmed CHED RO1’s commitment to the health and well-being of tertiary-level students. She emphasized that CHED’s participation in the agreement reflects the commission’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being.
Through strong policy advocacy, quality education, and institutional support, CHED continues to promote healthy, smoke-free, and vape-free environments in all higher education institutions.
The event signaled a united front among health and education sectors in creating safer, healthier campuses for the youth—laying the groundwork for a future where informed decisions and empowered minds lead to tobacco- and vape-free lives.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈. 𝘋𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴

Through inclusive programs and services, CHED RO1 ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities to access quality higher education, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
This year’s theme, “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,” promotes the importance of collective action in creating a society where no one is left behind.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), CHED RO1 remains committed to breaking down barriers and nurturing equitable environments within the higher education sector.
This weeklong observance, celebrated from July 17 to 23, 2025 under Proclamation No. 597, s. 2024, is spearheaded by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) in advancing a more inclusive Pilipinas.
You may access the official design and collaterals here: https://bit.ly/NDRW2025Collaterals
Let us work hand in hand to build inclusive communities for all.
𝘣𝘺 𝘑. 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘻

The Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) conducted a hybrid validation visit at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on July 11, 2025, to evaluate the HEI’s BS Interior Design program as part of the process in securing a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC).
Dr. Raquel B. Florendo and Arch. Rossano G. Baradi, RQAT members, assessed various facets of institutional operations, encompassing administrative organization, academic instruction, research activities, outreach programs, governance mechanisms, and infrastructure resources.
They also reviewed the application reports, conducted on-site inspections of the institution’s library and laboratory facilities, and interviewed key personnel of the institution.
Engr. Leonora Quarte, Education Supervisor II for Engineering programs, provided technical assistance during the activity.
The team disclosed the evaluation findings and provided their recommendations during the exit conference, which was attended by the members of the institution’s administration, led by Dr. Fatima Rocamora, UNP’s vice president for research and extension and Dr. Ashley Paulino Martinez, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design.
𝘣𝘺 𝘓. 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦

This year, 18 Region 1 universities and colleges shine in 15 out of 16 WURI Innovation Categories. Here’s a snapshot of the standouts:
Urdaneta City University (UCU) clinched the No. 1 overall ranking in the Philippines and ranked 44th worldwide, dominating several key WURI category ranks:
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗔𝟯)
1st – World Rank
1st – Country Rank
𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 (𝗔𝟮)
4th – World Rank
1st – Country Rank
𝗦𝗗𝗚-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 (𝗔𝟴)
2nd – World Rank
2nd – Country Rank
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) also showed outstanding performance, placing 3rd in the world ranking and securing the 1st spot in the country ranking for Ethics and Integrity (A6).
Furthermore, Panpacific University, a private HEI, was recognized as 4th in the world ranking and 2nd in the country ranking for Ethics and Integrity category.
Meanwhile, Northwestern University, Inc. made a bold mark by claiming 3rd spot in the world ranking and 1st country ranking in Visionary Leadership (B1).
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) also improved its performance from the previous ranking, garnering 5th spot in the world ranking and 4th in the country ranking in Empowered-Based Management (B2).
Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union and the Union Christian College joined the roster of internationally-ranked HEIs in the region as they debut on the said ranking.
These wins reflect our region’s passion for social impact, industry partnerships, and innovation, representing the region’s collective pursuit of meaningful, impactful, and ethical education. As global competitiveness in education intensifies, the strong performance of Region 1 HEIs in the WURI Rankings signals a promising future for the education sector in the Ilocos Region.
“Seeing our universities gain recognition on a global stage fills me with immense pride,” says CHED RO1 RD Christine Nabor Ferrer.
“This achievement underlines what we can do when data, innovation, and collaboration intersect. We’re committed to scaling these best practices across all HEIs in Region 1—preparing graduates not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers that drive regional development,” Dr. Ferrer added.
👉 Swipe each slide for the full category breakdown. Stay tuned for our “Innovation in Action” mini-series!
#CHEDRO1 #WURI2025 #IlocosPride

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Ms. Eren Joy Bautista, Public Engagement Specialist of the US Embassy in the Philippines, conducts an orientation program on Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) for Region 1 HEI faculty members and students, via Zoom on July 15, 2025

CHED Regional Office I invites interested participants to a virtual information session on the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) – 2026 Academic Fellows Program.
🗓 July 15, 2025
🕘 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
📍 Via Zoom
🔗 Register now: https://tinyurl.com/CHEDRO1YSEALI
Learn how to apply and become one of Southeast Asia’s emerging leaders!
𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕. 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆.
#CHEDRO1 #YSEALI #GlobalLeadership #YouthEmpowerment #SDG4 #SDG17

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Workshop on the Proposed Revision of CMO No. 63, s. 2017: Aligning Policies and Strategies for Safer, More Effective Local Off-Campus Activities at the CHED Central Office Auditorium on July 14, 2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Public Consultation on the Proposed Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for the Master of Science in Nursing Program (Professional and Academic Track) and BS in Nursing Program Outcomes with Primary Health Care Competencies at Lafayette Luxury Suites, Baguio City on July 14-18, 2025

The region recorded a 33.33% increase in the number of internationally-ranked higher education institutions in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovations, with 16 HEIs joining the list of the Global Top 400 Innovative Universities.
The following HEIs entered the ranking:
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟒𝟒𝐭𝐡
Urdaneta City University
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟖𝟗𝐭𝐡
Mariano Marcos State University
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟏𝟕𝟔𝐭𝐡
Lyceum-Northwestern University
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟏𝟕𝟖𝐭𝐡
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝐭𝐡
Panpacific University
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟐𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡
University of Northern Philippines
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟐𝟔𝟒𝐭𝐡
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟐𝟔𝟓𝐭𝐡
WCC Aeronautical and Technological College, Inc.
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟐𝟔𝟕𝐭𝐡
Northwestern University, Inc.
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟐𝟕𝟔𝐭𝐡
Pangasinan State University
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟐𝟖𝟖𝐭𝐡
University of Luzon
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟐𝟗𝟎𝐭𝐡
Lorma Colleges
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟑𝟔𝟗𝐭𝐡
Philippine College of Science and Technology
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟑𝟕𝟎𝐭𝐡
Union Christian College
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟑𝟕𝟎𝐭𝐡
Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, Inc.
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝟑𝟗𝟖𝐭𝐡
University of Eastern Pangasinan
WURI is a global ranking system that evaluates universities based on their real-world contributions and innovative approaches to higher education.
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝟏 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬!

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | CHED RO1 conducts Internal Quality Audit in preparation for ISO 9001:2015 Certification at the 3rd Floor Conference Hall, CHED Regional Office 1, City of San Fernando, La Union on July 7, 2025