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

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

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

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