Cocopea Ph

21/09/2026

21/09/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗔 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝟲𝟱𝗧𝗛 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗬

As it prepares for the grand celebration of its 65th Founding Anniversary, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) held its quarterly board meeting on September 14 at Hotel Benilde Maison, Malate, Manila and COCOPEA reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to improving Philippine education through cooperative initiatives, strategic plans, and tangible actions during difficult times marked by school violence, frequent cancellation of classes, and sustainability issues.

Dr. Ireneo G. Alvaro, Jr., COCOPEA Chairperson and ACSCU President, led the discussions, together with Atty. John R. Jacome, COCOPEA Managing Director.

COCOPEA discussed ways to strengthen policy and advocacy networks for private education, enhancing collaboration and elevating its unified message. The Board also addressed and evaluated its promotion for equal grants to both public and private organizations, guaranteeing fair assistance for all educational areas to support themselves and flourish, examining strategies to maintain competitive neutrality between public and private sectors, and encouraging a setting where both can succeed equally and contribute significantly to our nation's development and progress.

Present during the meeting were the officers and trustees of the five (5) national member-associations of COCOPEA, namely:

ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (ACSCU)

Dr. Junifen F. Gauuan, Trustee, ACSCU and President of Philippine Christian University;
Dr. Pio Baconga, Trustee, ACSCU and President of Pilgrim Christian College;
Dr. Araceli Rosario, Trustee, ACSCU and President of Adventist University of the Philippines;
Dr. Marivic L. Daguio, Trustee, ACSCU and Principal of Makati Hope Christian School;
Bp. Elorde M. Sambat, ACSCU Executive Director

PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (PACU)

Mr. Marco Alfredo Benitez, President, PACU and President of Philippine Women’s University;
Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion, Trustee, PACU and President of Centro Escolar University;
Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo, Trustee, PACU and President of University of Perpetual Help-DALTA;
Dr. Vicente K. Fabella, Trustee, PACU and President of Jose Rizal University;
Ms. Joyce Anne C. Samaniego, PACU Executive Director

PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (PAPSCU)

Dr. Royce S. Torres, President, PAPSCU and President of Iligan Medical Center College;
Dr. Antonio M. Del Carmen, Trustee, PAPSCU and President of STI College-Sta. Rosa;
Dr. Jose Paulo Campos, Trustee, PAPSCU and President of Emilio Aguinaldo College
Ms. Sam L. Morandarte, PAPSCU Executive Director

CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES (CEAP)

Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, CEAP President and President of the Ateneo de Davao University;
Mr. Narcy Ador F. Dionisio, CEAP Executive Director

UNIFIED TVET OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC . (UNITVET)

Dr. John Thomas Franco, President, UNITVET and EVP of St. Alexius College;
Dr. Romeo De la Rosa, Trustee, UNITEVT and President of Richwell Colleges
Dr. Jennifer D. Silao, UNITVET Executive Director

Atty. Joseph Noel M. Estrada, COCOPEA Legal Counsel, and Atty. Therese Diana Peña were also present during the meeting to assist the Board on legal matters.

The meeting culminated with a discussion on the preparations for the 10th COCOPEA National Congress to be held on November 24-25, 2026 at the SMX Aura Convention Center. This conference aims to trace the history and affirm the valuable contribution of private education as a significant and vital industry in the Philippines. It will feature a presentation of the latest Private Education Sector Study findings and will elicit responses from government leaders, education policymakers and the participants.

Recognized as one of the strongest national platforms bringing together colleges, universities and private schools across the country, the 2026 COCOPEA National Congress will foster collaborative discussions on education issues with the goal of promoting quality education, advancing sustainability and operationalizing public-private complementarity—building the future of Philippine education, with the materials of the present, on the basis of the past.

Together, COCOPEA stays on course in championing policies and advocacies that recognize and affirm the vital role of private basic education and private tertiary education institutions in nation-building and economic growth.

18/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) held a coordination meeting with Wesleyan University-Philippines in Cabanatuan City on September 16, 2026, in preparation for the upcoming 10th National Congress on November 25–26, 2026.

The meeting was held in the presence of Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro, President of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU) and Chair of COCOPEA, together with Atty. John R. Jacome, COCOPEA Managing Director, and representatives of Wesleyan University-Philippines.

Discussions focused on key preparations for the two-day Congress, including program coordination, venue arrangements, logistical requirements, and other matters necessary to ensure the smooth conduct of the national gathering.

The coordination meeting forms part of COCOPEA’s continuing preparations and collaboration with its member associations and partner institutions toward a meaningful and well-organized 10th National Congress.

16/09/2026

📣 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡!

Be part of the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗔 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 as the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations celebrates its 𝟲𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 and brings together leaders and stakeholders in Philippine private education.
With the theme:
“𝟲𝟱 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻”

📅 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟰–𝟮𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
📍 𝗦𝗠𝗫 𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗕𝗚𝗖, 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗴 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

Join us as we strengthen collaboration, exchange perspectives, and continue advancing the role of private education in nation-building.

🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄:
https://congress.cocopea.org.ph/

You may also scan the QR code in the poster to access the official Congress website.

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 COCOPEA National Congress!

📣 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡!

Be part of the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗔 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 as the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations celebrates its 𝟲𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 and brings together leaders and stakeholders in Philippine private education.

With the theme:

“𝟲𝟱 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻”

📅 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟰–𝟮𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
📍 𝗦𝗠𝗫 𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗕𝗚𝗖, 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗴 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

Join us as we strengthen collaboration, exchange perspectives, and continue advancing the role of private education in nation-building.

🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄:
https://congress.cocopea.org.ph/

You may also scan the QR code in the poster to access the official Congress website.

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 COCOPEA National Congress!

10/09/2026

𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐌𝐎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐏 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) joined the Public Consultation on the Proposed CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) on the Implementation of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) for Cluster II. The event was held on September 7, 2026 at the CHED Central Office Auditorium, HEDC Building, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

Organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS), the public consultation focused on reviewing the proposed provisions of the draft CMO to enhance policies for NSTP implementation across Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the following regions: Regions IV, V, IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA, MIMAROPA, and NCR.

During the session, participating agencies and sectoral representatives provided inputs and recommendations to ensure the policy effectively addresses institutional needs. Atty. John Jacome, COCOPEA Managing Director, served as one of the featured speakers during the open forum, contributing to the dialogue on student training objectives.

This activity forms part of CHED's continuing initiative, in collaboration with the COCOPEA, to engage key education partners in the development and enhancement of responsive policies governing higher education programs nationwide.

08/09/2026

Most improved ang Pilipinas sa Reading sa ! 🇵🇭 Overall, tumaas ang score ng bansa sa Reading, Math, at Science sa latest edition ng Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)! 👍

08/09/2026

MALINAW ANG PISA 2025 RESULTS: UMANGAT ANG PAGKATUTO! 📈🇵🇭

Ipinapakita ng results ang malinaw na pag-angat sa performance ng ating mga learners—bunga ng malawakang suporta at mga pinaigting na reporma sa edukasyon. 🙌

Patuloy na pagtutuunan ng Kagawaran ang pagpapabuti ng learning outcomes at pagsuporta sa mga g**o at paaralan.

Sama-sama pa nating ipagpapatuloy ang pag-arangkada tungo sa mas mahusay na pagkatuto! 🚀📚

04/09/2026

Key officers of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) served as distinguished Judges for the 2nd AASHPI Distinguished People Awards.

Launched by the Asian Association of School HRMD Practitioners, Inc., the 2nd AASHPI Distinguished People Awards 2026 honored individuals and organizations that have demonstrated the values of Servant leadership, People empowerment, Innovation, Creativity, and Excellence (SPICE) in contributing to academic excellence and advancing HR practices in the Philippines.

Atty. John R. Jacome, COCOPEA Managing Director, and Ms. Joyce Anne Samaniego, PACU Executive Director, served as judges for the Distinguished Academic Leadership Award, in both Director/VP and Supervisor/Manager categories.

The awarding ceremony was conducted on September 3, 2026 at The Marison Hotel, Legazpi City, recognizing and rewarding model employees in the academe. Through this engagement, COCOPEA continues its advocacy and commitment to building people and institutions.

02/09/2026

Explore the story of Atty. John R. Jacome and his four secrets to becoming a successful Bedan lawyer. Discover how faith, persistence, and puso shape the legal profession.

02/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐃 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) joined the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Online Focus Group Discussion on the Draft Guidelines for the Implementation of Republic Act No. 12178, or the National Education Support Personnel Day (NESPD) Act, on September 1, 2026.

The consultation gathered representatives from COCOPEA and selected Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) to discuss the proposed provisions of the draft guidelines and provide comments and recommendations prior to their finalization. Resource persons from the COCOPEA include Atty. John R. Jacome, Managing Director; Bishop Elorde Sambat, ACSCU Executive Director; and Dr. Junifen F. Gauuan, PCU President.

Republic Act No. 12178 declares May 16 of every year as National Education Support Personnel Day, a special working holiday recognizing the contributions of education support personnel to the delivery of quality education. During the discussion, participants shared perspectives on how the proposed guidelines may be implemented effectively and responsively across higher education institutions.

The consultation forms part of CHED’s continuing stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure that the final guidelines reflect the needs and circumstances of education support personnel and higher education institutions.