The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED ROI) held the much-anticipated kaPADyak Conference 2025 with the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Collaborative Approaches for Drug Prevention in Higher Education” at the EM Royalle Hotel and Beach Resort on April 3, 2025.
Anchored on the collaborative efforts of Kabataan, at Pamantasan, the conference brought together key stakeholders from higher education institutions (HEIs), national government agencies, and student leaders across Region 1 to strengthen preventive measures against drug abuse and crime in academic communities.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED ROI, articulated the objectives of the conference, emphasizing the vital role of youth empowerment and institutional collaboration in addressing drug-related issues, and reaffirmed CHED’s commitment to good health and well-being, ensuring that HEIs proactively foster safe and healthy communities.
Director Corinna Frances Cabanilla, Director IV of CHED Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS), graced the activity as the Guest of Honor and Speaker and discussed the national strategies reinforced in building a safe and drug-free campus through sustainable programs and policy frameworks.
“We are a team, and we continue to remain as a committed team that recognizes the strength and success of each member towards achieving our collective goal to have a drug-free community for all and for future generations to come,” said Dir. Cabanilla.
The activity also recognized the 2024 PADS Regional Winners for the PADS Innovative Awards namely: Saint John Bosco College of Northern Luzon (SJBCNL), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), and Universidad De Dagupan (UDD), along with KaPADyak Student Leaders, kaPADyak Advocacy Campaign Winners, AMA La Union and Colegio San Juan De Letran, Manaoag, Life Skills Training facilitators and partners.
Ms. Cynthia Q. Hernandez of CHED OSDS presented the Implementation of Drug-Free Campus Policies, and Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor II of CHED RO1 talked about the Integration of Anti-Drug Abuse Programs in Student Services.
Atty. Howard Chan of Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) RO1 reminded the agency’s mandates on free access to courts, judicial and quasi-judicial agencies, by rendering legal services, counseling, and assistance to the participants.
Ms. Maria Luisa O. Perez, RPsy, RPm, Psychologist II of Region 1 Medical Center, shared Awareness on Mental health and Mental Coping capabilities with the participants.
Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor II, commended the attendees for their continued support in fostering a safer, drug-free educational environment.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔.𝘍. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘢
#CHEDRO1

Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV, and Mr. Arnold V. Ancheta, Education Supervisor II and focal person for Student Affairs and Services (SAS) of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1), attended the two-day Workshop/Write Shop on the Revision of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 09, s. 2013, titled “Policies and Guidelines on Student Affairs and Services (SAS),” held at Twin Lakes, Laurel, Batangas, on March 19-20, 2025.

The event gathered experts in student affairs and services, including representatives from the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services, Inc. (PAPSAS) and the Philippine Guidance Counselors Association, along with government agencies such as the Department of Health, National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, National Council on Disability Affairs, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Also in attendance were SAS focal persons from higher education institutions (HEIs) and CHED Regional Directors and Education Supervisors from Regions 4, 5, and the National Capital Region (NCR), who serve as frontliners in implementing and monitoring SAS programs at the regional level.

CMO No. 09, s. 2013, was issued under the administration of former CHED Chair Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, succeeding CMO No. 21, s. 2006, released by Dr. Carlito S. Puno. The most recent update, CMO No. 8, s. 2021, was issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide guidelines on the flexible delivery of SAS programs. The ongoing revision seeks to incorporate both face-to-face and online modalities while aligning SAS policies with new laws and emerging student needs.

Participants were grouped to assess and propose revisions to specific provisions of the CMO. Proposed changes underwent thorough review and evaluation through multiple rounds of discussion, with final provisions refined under the guidance of the CHED Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS) Director. The workshop also produced a proposed monitoring and evaluation tool for HEIs to use as documentation in compliance with SAS standards.

The revised guidelines aim to enhance student support services and ensure their relevance in the evolving educational landscape.

𝘣𝘺 𝘈. 𝘈𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘢

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | CHED RO1 conducts 2025 kaPADyak Conference with the theme “Kabataan , Kapulisan at Pamantasan nagkakaisa sa paglaban sa Illegal na Droga at Krimen,” at the EM Royalle Hotel and Beach Resort, San Juan, La Union

Dir. Corinna Frances Cabanilla, CESO III, graced the event as the Guest of Honor and Speaker and discussed the role of the Commission on Higher Education-Office of Student Development and Services (CHED-OSDS) on the implementation of PADS in the higher education sector.

𝘣𝘺 𝘒.𝘑 𝘝𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘰

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1) continues to champion volunteerism in higher education by facilitating the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and 15 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region 1 on March 28, 2025.
Dr. Donald James Gawe, Executive Director of PNVSCA along with Deputy ED Ela Victoria Sarmago, and Mr. Jeffrey Almazan, Vol Service Officer II graced the said event.
As the lead facilitator, CHED RO1 plays a crucial role in bridging the academe and national volunteer initiatives, ensuring that HEIs integrate service-learning and volunteerism into their programs. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), underscoring education’s transformative power beyond the classroom.
The 15 HEIs that have committed to fostering a culture of volunteerism are:
✅ Divine Word College of Laoag
✅ La Union Christian Comprehensive College
✅ Lyceum-Northwestern University
✅ Osias Educational Foundation
✅ Panpacific University
✅ Philippine College of Science and Technology – Calasiao
✅ Pangasinan Polytechnic College
✅ Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan
✅ Union Christian College
✅ University of Eastern Pangasinan
✅ University of Luzon
✅ University of Northern Philippines
✅ University of Pangasinan
✅ Urdaneta City University
✅ Virgin Milagrosa University Foundation
Through CHED RO1’s active leadership and coordination, these HEIs are now better equipped to inculcate civic responsibility, social awareness, and community engagement in their students. By strengthening volunteer programs, CHED RO1 ensures that higher education institutions produce not only academically competent graduates but also socially responsible citizens who are ready to serve their communities and the nation.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔. 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘰

In a bid to strengthen collaboration and foster partnerships in criminal justice education, Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor II of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1), along with officers from the Council of Criminal Justice Educators (CCJE) Region 1 and the Professional Criminologist Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Region 1, paid a courtesy call and held a meeting with Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) Regional Director, PBGEN Lou F. Evangelista, at Camp BGen Oscar M. Florendo, Parian, City of San Fernando, La Union, on March 18, 2025.
Dr. Aurora Laroya, Dean of the Institute of Criminology at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University and President of CCJE RO1, along with Dr. Ambrosio Detran, Governor of PCAP Region 1, also graced the meeting.
The visit was geared toward coordinating the activities of the professional organization, academic institutions, and PRO1 in producing capable and morally sound criminology graduates who will be able to contribute to national development and public safety.
The meeting also touched on the necessity of organizing a chapter of PCAP in PRO1 to facilitate continuous professional development programs for police officers in the region.
Dr. Mina, on behalf of CHED RO1, expressed her gratitude for the hospitality of PRO1 in nurturing an active collaboration with higher education institutions.
“With this collaboration, our future criminologists are properly prepared, well-informed, and capacitated with the required competencies to serve the nation with excellence and integrity,” Dr. Mina said.
The courtesy call concluded with a commitment from parties to establish sustainable initiatives that will reinforce the link between academic institutions and PRO1.
Moving forward, CHED RO1, CCJE Region 1, PCAP Region 1, and PRO1 will conduct the PCA 2.0 dubbed as “Peace Education, Crime Prevention Education and Anti-Drug Strategies and Police-Community Academy” on April 10-11, 2025 at Police Regional Office 1, Parian, San Fernando City, La Union reinforcing a shared vision of upholding justice, security, and academic excellence in Region 1.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔.𝘍. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘢
#CHEDRO1

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
#CHEDRO1

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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In a concerted effort to strengthen academic and PNP collaboration, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 (CHED RO1), the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1), Professional Criminologists of the Philippines, and Council of Criminal Justice Educators – Region 1, convened for a meeting aimed at advancing joint initiatives in peace, security, and criminal justice education at the Regional Comptrollership Division Office of PRO 1 on March 7, 2025.
The meeting brought together officials from the four institutions to discuss project collaborations that would enhance academic programs, provide hands-on training for future criminologists, and support for public safety and security efforts in Region 1.
Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor II and Focal for Peace and Order, Anti-Drug Strategy and Peace Education of CHED RO1 underscored the significance of building synergy between the academe, professional organizations, and law enforcement agencies.
“This partnership is instrumental in equipping our students with practical knowledge while contributing to community safety and security. Through this collaboration, we can bridge academic expertise with real-world applications,” she stated.
PLTCOL Ma. Leonora Teresa A. Dela Cruz, Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Comptrollership Division and Project Lead for Police Community Academy of PRO1 emphasized their commitment to mentoring future criminologists and integrating academic perspectives into policing practices.
The Police officials of the Regional Community Affairs Division also expressed their support to the initiatives aimed at strengthening crime prevention strategies through education, underlining that well-trained criminology graduates can significantly contribute to public safety.
“By working closely with academic institutions, we can ensure that future law enforcement professionals are not only skilled but also grounded in ethical and community-centered policing,” PLtCol De La Cruz said.
The Professional Criminologists of the Philippines, represented by Dr. Ambosio Detran, Region 1 Governor, highlighted the role in building continuous professional development and ensuring that criminology graduates align with national standards in public safety and security.
Dr. Aurora Laroya, President of the Council of Criminal Justice Educators – Region 1 (CCJE R1) and Dean of the College of Criminology of Don Mariano Marcos State University, Mid La Union Campus, also shared her optimism regarding the said collaboration.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this partnership, as it provides our students with invaluable opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios while reinforcing ethical and community-centered policing,” Dr. Laroya shared.
The strategic collaboration is expected to pave the way for more structured programs that will benefit students, future criminologists and PNP.
A series of activities, including the conduct of Police Community Academy 2.0, seminars, and capacity-building initiatives, are set to be implemented as part of the long-term partnership.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to sustaining this alliance, reinforcing the role of education in strengthening peace and order in Region 1.
𝘣𝘺 𝘔.𝘍. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘢
#CHEDRO1