Student Leaders, NGAs, HEIs convene for kaPADyak 2025
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
