CHED Regional Office I - Ilocos Region

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐑𝐃 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚!

May your special day be filled with joy, good health, and the warmth of family, friends, and colleagues.

As you continue to lead the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office III with dedication, vision, and excellence, may you be blessed with renewed strength, wisdom, and inspiration to further advance quality higher education and public service.

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗥𝗢𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗚𝗔𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union — The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED ROI) convened selected national government agencies (NGAs) for a consultative meeting on the implementation of lifelong learning programs at the CHED ROI Conference Room in the City of San Fernando, La Union on May 25, 2026.

The meeting gathered representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to discuss collaborative strategies aimed at strengthening lifelong learning initiatives in Region 1.

Among the key topics discussed were the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL), and micro-credentials.

Dr. Ricky Cera, Supervising Administrative Officer, delivered the welcome message and emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in promoting accessible, flexible, and inclusive education opportunities for Filipinos.

Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina and Dr. Al Gerald Barde, Education Supervisors, presented the statement of purpose and provided an overview of lifelong learning programs, including regional data and updates on ETEEAP, ODeL, and micro-credentials.

Representatives from participating agencies included Director II Marivic Mondina, Ms. Marissa C. Naboye, Dr. Amapola Villar, and Ms. Rubylyn Munar from OWWA; Ms. Jeremiah Mendoza from DOLE; Ms. Michelle Villanueva from DTI; and Ms. Dionne Cleo Cruz from DMW.

During the presentations, participating agencies shared sectoral insights and perspectives relevant to lifelong learning implementation.

Ms. Villanueva discussed the agency’s programs that may be implemented in partnership with CHED ROI and higher education institutions (HEIs), including the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) and “You Can Be Your Own Boss” (BYOB) initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, MS. Mendoza presented labor market trends, in-demand jobs, workforce reskilling and upskilling requirements, and employment-related education priorities.

Ms. Cruz highlighted international labor market requirements, recognition of prior learning, and competencies needed for global employment.

Dr. Villar, on the other hand, focused on the continuing education needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents, as well as scholarship grants such as the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP).

An open forum followed, allowing participants to exchange ideas, raise concerns, and explore possible collaborations and policy recommendations to further strengthen the implementation of lifelong learning programs in the region.

The activity concluded with CHED ROI expressing appreciation to the participating agencies for their valuable contributions and reaffirming its commitment to advancing lifelong learning initiatives in support of the Commission’s ACHIEVE Agenda and the national vision of developing a future-ready and globally competitive Filipino workforce.

𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Commission on Higher Education – Regional Office 1 continued celebrations for CHED’s 32nd Anniversary and the 6th Higher Education Week with a Money Mindset, Body Balance activity on May 20, 2026, via Zoom.

The program highlighted financial literacy and mental well-being through energizing activities and insightful webinars.

The event drew more than a hundred online attendees from Higher Education Institutions and organizations in Region 1.

The day began with morning energizers as CHED-RO1 employees led a Zumba session to boost physical wellness and camaraderie.

In a message delivered by CHED-RO1 Regional Director Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III, the importance of blending financial resilience with mental wellness was underscored as a pathway to a more prepared and productive workforce.

The webinar sessions opened with Money Mindset in the morning and Body Balance in the afternoon.

In the financial wellness segment, Ms. Angeline C. Go, New Generation Director of the Rotary Club of Metro San Fernando, La Union, offered practical tips for budgeting, saving, and smart spending in an increasingly digital economy. Atty. Algen S. Gomez, CPA, President of the League of Municipal Treasurers of La Union, Inc., spoke about building confidence in money management for individuals and public sector professionals, including tools to improve financial decision-making.

The afternoon session focused on mental resilience and personal growth. Ms. Dixie Ann A. Palmos, RPm Health & Wellness Program Coordinator of SIFCare Science of Identity Foundation, discussed understanding stress, recognizing signs of burnout, and practical strategies to maintain mental well-being. Dr. Leah Solmerin-Corpuz, CEO and Lead Trainer of LASC Learning Solutions, spoke about self-awareness and personal development to align one’s present self with future aspirations.

The overarching aim of the program was to empower attendees with practical financial literacy and mental health insights, reinforcing the broader objective of a future-ready Bagong Pilipinas.

𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙋𝙄𝙑𝙊𝙏!

CHED IAS is eager to introduce Project PIVOT: Partnerships for International Visibility and Organizational Transformation. Our goal is to move beyond simple connections and foster meaningful, long-term collaborations for Philippine Higher Education Institutions.

We are kicking off our first session on 7 May 2026, with a focus on unlocking new opportunities. We are honored to host representatives from the US Embassy and Fulbright Philippines to discuss funding, research initiatives, and mobility programs.

Don't miss this opportunity to build your network and elevate your institution's global footprint.

📅 Date: 7 May 2026
🕗 Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/ProjectPIVOT2026
💻 Download your official Zoom background here: https://bit.ly/PivotZoomBG

Let’s turn connection into collaboration. See you virtually!

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 | CHED Regional Office I, in partnership with Landbank of the Philippines, conducts Orientation and Guided Online Application for the opening of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) accounts in the Province of La Union on May 19, 2026.

Participating Higher Education Institutions include Osias Educational Foundation, Polytechnic College of La Union, La Union Christian Comprehensive College, La Union Colleges of Science and Technology, Philippine College of Northwestern Luzon, and South Ilocandia College of Arts and Technology with a total of 766 Tulong-Dunong Program and Tertiary Education Subsidy grantees.

𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐈 𝐤𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝟑𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED ROI) launched the celebration of the agency’s 32nd Anniversary and the 6th Higher Education Week through a webinar titled “Weaving Lifelong Learning into Higher Education for Future-Ready Graduates” held on May 18, 2026 via Zoom.

Carrying the theme, “ACHIEVE-ing Knowledge Economy Together for a Future-Ready Bagong Pilipinas,” the activity underscored the role of lifelong learning in preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven global environment.

The webinar gathered educators, higher education leaders, policymakers, and institutional stakeholders from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Region I to explore innovative and responsive approaches to lifelong learning in higher education.

Opening the program, CHED Regional Director IV Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta Diego emphasized the evolving mission of higher education institutions in today’s rapidly changing world.

“As higher education leaders and stakeholders, we are therefore called to rethink the role of our institutions. Universities and colleges must no longer serve only as places where learning begins; they must become lifelong partners in human development—institutions that accompany learners across every stage of life and every phase of transformation,” Dr. Diego said.

Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor (ES) II, presented the objectives of the webinar, highlighting the importance of embedding lifelong learning, industry collaboration, and microcredentialing into academic programs to develop future-ready graduates.

The event featured distinguished speakers from leading higher education institutions nationwide.

Asia Pacific College President Dr. Ma. Teresita P. Medado discussed “Microcredentials for Skills, Employability and Lifelong Learning,” emphasizing the growing importance of microcredentials in strengthening workforce readiness and sustaining professional growth.

Meanwhile, Miriam College Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Trixie Marie J. Sison delivered a presentation on “Learn Beyond Limits: Lifelong Learning in Higher Education,” where she advocated for flexible, inclusive, and learner-centered educational opportunities for both students and working professionals.

The final session was delivered by University of the Cordilleras President Dr. Nancy M. Flores, who underscored the significance of industry-academe collaboration in advancing lifelong learning and ensuring graduates remain responsive to evolving industry demands and societal needs.
Dr. Danilo B. Bose, Chief Education Program Specialist, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing accessible, innovative, and future-oriented higher education in support of national development in his closing remarks.

The celebration also began earlier in the day with a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Fr. Joel Templa, SVD. In his homily, he stressed that beyond ensuring compliance and monitoring academic standards, higher education institutions must also cultivate learners into compassionate and morally grounded individuals.

“Aside from academic excellence, HEIs must also highlight character excellence,” he said.
Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina and Dr. Al Gerald Barde, ES II, organized the webinar while Dr. Angelica Dolores, Supervising Education Program Specialist, and Engr. Leonora Quarte, ES II, prepared the mass.

𝐑𝟏 𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐓

R1 HEIs proved their excellence as top performing schools in the 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) in both the elementary and secondary levels.

Here are the Top Performing Schools (Secondary Level) :

● Pangasinan State University–Bayambang with 454 passers out of 485 examinees
(93.61%)

● Urdaneta City University with 293 passers out of 341 examinees (85.92%)

● Panpacific University–North Philippines, Tayug with 59 passers out of 61 examinees
(96.72%)

Here are the Top Performing Schools (Elementary Level) :

Pangasinan State University–Bayambang recorded an 87.68%
passing rate with 121 passers out of 138 examinees.

The strong
showing of Region I schools and graduates in the LEPT serves as a testament to academic
preparation, perseverance, and the promise of future educators who will help shape the nation’s
learners.

𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝟏 𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓
𝑹1 𝑯𝑬𝑰𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 30 𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝑬𝑷𝑻

Region I once again showcased its growing roster of exceptional future educators as they earned spots in the list of March 2026 Licensure for Professional Teachers (LEPT)
topnotchers.

We celebrate our 17 Top Performing Students in Secondary Education:

● From PSU–Bayambang: Wednesday Nabor Ferrer (95.00), Jessebel Untalan Caagusan
(94.00), Angelo Orsavia Vino (94.00), Abigail Muerong Fabia (93.40), Renato Parago
Mendiola Jr. (93.40)
● From PSU–Lingayen: Jiezel Fernandez Pagal (94.40), Jomare Siega Repalda (94.00),
Chona Gonzales Dela Cruz (93.40)
● From PSU–Urdaneta: Sharmaine Relos Calicdan (94.20), Pristine Virginia Servito Corpuz
(93.80), Desiree Biado Calpito (93.40)
● From PSU–Alaminos City: Nora Bacay Palacielo (93.40)
● From PSU–Binmaley: Francis Kim Rosario Penuliar (93.20)
● From DMMMSU–Agoo: Adrienne Mae Aban Famarin (93.60)
● From Urdaneta City University: Jaslynn Tomagcao Garcia (93.60)
From ISPSC–Cervantes: Mark Budca-Eng Logang-A (93.60)
● From MMSU–Batac: Mae Rose Len Reginaldo Acoba (93.40)

And our 13 Top Performing Students in Elementary Education:

● From PSU–Sta. Maria: Guia Laurence Casimina Cadena (94.40), Jemby Maningding
Magpali (93.20), Richard Rulloda Soto (93.20)
● From PSU–Alaminos City: Margarette Mae Pacis Madriaga (94.40), Chester Paul Zius
Olivo Padilla (94.40), Jezeel Joyce Siva Camba (93.40)
● From PSU–San Carlos City: Ivan Montemayor Bautista (94.20), Rosana Mae Cayabyab
Diaz (93.80)
● From PSU–Urdaneta: Reyna Mae Fernandez Aquino (93.40), Shaira Sta. Cruz (92.80)
● From PSU–Bayambang: Rusielyn Barbiran Villanueva (93.40), Gilyn Sabangan De Vera
(92.80)
● From St. Camillus of Manaoag: Rey Jayson Mujal Caspillan (92.80)

CHED RO1 extends its heartfelt congratulations to all LEPT topnotchers and passers!

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝟑𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐘, 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃!

Join us in the Celebration of the Commission on Higher Education's 32nd Anniversary and 6th Higher Education Week with the theme:

"ACHIEVE-ing Knowledge Economy Together for a Future-Ready Bagong Pilipinas."

Here are the CHED RO1 activities:

May 18:
AM: Thanksgiving Mass
Pm: Webinar on Weaving Lifelong Learning into Higher Education for Future-Ready Graduates

May 19: Orientation of Landbank Account Application and Scholarships Information Session

May 20: Money Mindset and Body Balance (A Holistic Wellness Webinar)