CHED International Affairs Service

The Commission on Higher Education - International Affairs Service (CHED-IAS) stands together with the international higher education community in observing the World Environment Day.

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since its inception on June 5, 1974, World Environment Day serves as a vital annual reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the Earth's fragile ecosystems. Over the years, this observance has successfully driven policy changes, raised critical awareness, and mobilized global actions toward combating deforestation, pollution, and climate displacement.

Environmental sustainability remains a core pillar of modern institutional governance, and CHED-IAS recognizes the vital role that internationalization plays in addressing these complex ecological challenges. By establishing robust global partnerships and benchmarking with international frameworks—such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings—Philippine HEIs are transforming their campuses into models of sustainable development.

From pioneering renewable energy research to integrating climate literacy into the curriculum, our institutions are actively contributing to global environmental conservation. CHED-IAS remains dedicated to supporting collaborative, borderless academic endeavors that safeguard our natural resources and secure an ecologically sound future for all.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) of the Lao People's Democratic Republic convened the First Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Academic Cooperation in Higher Education on June 2, 2026.

Held virtually via Zoom, the meeting brought together officials and representatives from both countries, with the CHED delegation gathering at the CHED Executive Lounge for the discussions.

The meeting served as a significant step toward reactivating the Memorandum of Understanding on Academic Cooperation in Higher Education signed by CHED and MoES Lao PDR in July 2017, reaffirming both countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing higher education partnerships.

Happy 1st Anniversary to our esteemed Chairperson, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis! Reflecting on her first year at the helm of the Commission, we honor a leader whose global mindset, background in institutional development, and decisive management style have elevated the strategic position of Philippine higher education. Over the past year, Chairperson Agrupis has prioritized international mobility and cross-border research networks, driving local academic institutions toward broader global recognition and capacity-building.

A primary achievement of her first year is the active operationalization of the A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda, a forward-looking roadmap designed to integrate local higher education with evolving international standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under her stewardship, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has successfully expanded transnational education partnerships, streamlined digital regulatory processes, and reinforced administrative transparency. Furthermore, her administration has championed targeted student support systems, notably advancing financial pathways for allied health majors through the introduction of the Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD) Grant program.

By championing a holistic human capital development approach, Chairperson Agrupis has bridged critical gaps between academia, government compliance, and emerging technologies, ensuring that modern educational models adapt swiftly to a changing global market. Thank you, Chairperson Agrupis, for your elegant and transformative leadership. We look forward to reaching even greater academic frontiers and building a more integrated future for the sector under your inspiring guidance!

The Commission on Higher Education - International Affairs Service (CHED IAS) extends its warmest and most heartfelt birthday greetings to Dr. Marivic V. Iriberri, the dedicated Regional Director of CHED Regional Office IX. Dr. Iriberri has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to elevating the landscape of Philippine higher education.

Since taking the helm of CHEDRO IX, she has been a vital force in driving regional development, championed the rigorous implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), and successfully spearheaded localized alignments for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).

Her strategic leadership not only ensures academic excellence and compliance among higher education institutions in the region but also actively fosters an environment that builds accessible, inclusive, and globally competitive learning landscapes. Happy Birthday, Director Marivic! May you continue to inspire and lead Region IX toward greater academic heights and international linkages.

Feliz cumpleaños, Dr. Iriberri!

Happy Pride Month from the Commission on Higher Education International Affairs Service (CHED IAS)! This June, we celebrate the vibrant identity, resilience, and invaluable contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community within our higher education sector and beyond. In the pursuit of global standards of learning, we firmly believe that excellence cannot exist without inclusivity. Our classrooms, research laboratories, and international spaces are made richer and more innovative because of the diverse perspectives brought forth by LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and administrative drivers.

CHED IAS proudly stands with our Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as they actively champion gender-fair education, safe spaces, and anti-discrimination initiatives across our campuses. When we foster environments where everyone feels free to bring their authentic selves to their academic journeys, we unlock the full potential of our global academic community. Internationalization is not just about crossing borders; it is about expanding minds, breaking down prejudices, and building bridges of understanding.

Let this month serve as a reminder and a renewal of our shared commitment to equality, empathy, and respect. Together, let us continue to shape a Philippine higher education system where every voice is heard, every identity is validated, and every dreamer has an equal space to shine.

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙋𝙃𝙀𝙄𝙨 𝘼𝘾𝙃𝙄𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

The journey continues! Project PIVOT is back for Session 4, and we are diving even deeper into international visibility and organizational transformation.

This session brings an exciting opportunity to hear directly from our esteemed partners at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), which serves as gateway for bilateral trade, investment, and cultural exchange between Taiwan and the Philippines. We will also feature the INTACT Base Office-PH, an organization providing a life-changing framework for Filipino talent by offering tuition subsidies, allowances, and Mandarin training to prepare students and professionals for high-demand global careers.

Discover how these powerful partnerships are paving the way for exciting global opportunities and sustainable institutional growth.
📅 Date: 4 June 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/ProjectPIVOT2026
💻 Download your official Zoom background here: https://bit.ly/PivotZoomBG

Let’s keep pivoting, transforming, and scaling new heights together!

The Commission on Higher Education International Affairs Service (CHED IAS) joins the entire higher education community in wishing a very Happy Birthday to Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, CESO III, Regional Director of CHEDRO III!

Director Cristobal’s distinguished career within the Commission is defined by an unwavering commitment to elevating Philippine higher education to global standards. Throughout her transformative leadership across multiple regions—including her impactful tenures in Region VIII and Region VII, and now steering Region III—she has been a champion of equity, quality, and future ready academic policies.

Thank you, Director Cristobal, for your exemplary public service, your inspiring leadership, and your steadfast dedication to the Filipino student and educator. May you have a joyful and blessed birthday, and may the year ahead bring even greater milestones for Central Luzon and beyond!

Maligayang Kaarawan po at Mayap a Kebaitan keka, Dr. Cristobal!

The Commission on Higher Education, through the International Affairs Service (CHED IAS) and in close collaboration with the CHED Regional Office – National Capital Region (CHEDRO-NCR), successfully brought together higher education institutions, diplomatic embassy partners, and international organizations for the National Capital Region Leg of the Foreign Scholarships and Training Program (FSTP) Roadshow 2026 last May 26, 2026. Held at the CHED Auditorium, 2nd Floor, HEDC Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, the event served as a premier, vibrant platform promoting global scholarship opportunities, international partnerships, and academic mobility programs for Filipino learners.

The roadshow featured a comprehensive array of foreign scholarship programs, specialized training grants, and cross-border exchange opportunities that empowered Filipinos through quality global education and international collaboration. Highlighting the event were comprehensive presentations from 12 distinguished speakers representing various embassies, cultural offices, and international organizations, who shared vital insights into their respective countries' educational pathways and fellowship grants. Through these dynamic information sessions and interactive partner booths, participants gained direct, unprecedented access to valuable academic networks and institutional partnership opportunities.

Deepest appreciation is extended to the embassy and institutional representatives who actively participated in opening these strategic pathways, including key dignitaries from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Fulbright Philippines, SeeMeSOL Inc., and the Embassies of Indonesia, France, Hungary, Spain, Canada, Australia, and the European Union.

CHED expresses its profound gratitude to all diplomatic, development, and institutional partners, as well as the attendees, for their unwavering commitment to advancing the internationalization roadmap of Philippine higher education.

Today, the Commission on Higher Education International Affairs Service (CHED IAS) joins the global higher education community in celebrating Eid al Adha.

This holy festival serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, empathy, and working for the greater good of humanity. As we bridge Philippine higher education institutions to the global arena, we draw inspiration from the spirit of sacrifice and community service that defines this day. We remain steadfast in our mission to champion educational equity and global citizenship across cultural and regional borders.

Wishing everyone a meaningful, peaceful, and blessed Eid filled with joy and shared blessings.

Eid Adha Mubarak to all!