Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III

𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐔 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟔𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲

Eastern Samar State University Main Campus welcomed students back yesterday, 22nd of June 2026 for Academic Year (AY) 2026-2027, coinciding with its 67th Founding Anniversary celebration. The activities brought together students, faculty, staff, stakeholders and distinguished guests in a day filled with thanksgiving, recognition, innovation, and renewed commitment to excellence.

The day commenced with a Filipiniana-themed flag ceremony attended by all students and employees. This was followed by a short cultural program and distribution of loyalty awardees in recognition of employees who have marked milestone years in their service to the university. In the afternoon, the University community gathered for a Eucharistic Celebration, to offer thanksgiving and implore guidance as ESSU embarks on another academic year.

Before 4:00 PM, honored guests and University key officials led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Research, Innovation and Extension Exhibit, which featured a diverse array of research outputs, technological innovations, extension initiatives, and developmental projects from the University's different colleges.

Immediately following was the historic unveiling of the new Cong. Felipe J. Abrigo Memorial Statue, paying tribute to the visionary leader whose enduring legacy laid the foundation for the University's establishment. Cong. Abrigo was the first congressional representative of Eastern Samar who founded 13 vocational schools in the province, including the former Eastern Samar National Regional Agricultural School (ESNRAS), which has evolved into what is now ESSU.

Among the honored guests were Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Hon. Christopher Sheen P. Gonzales; CHED Commissioner and ESSU BOR Chairman, Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III; ESSU alumnus and CHEDRO8 Director Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe; BOR Member and DOST RO8 Director Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña; and BOR Member and DepDev RO8 Director, Hon. Meylene C. Rosales, together with the rest of the members of the ESSU Governing Board.

Also joining the celebration were local chief executives and representatives of the various municipalities hosting ESSU campuses across the province. Also in attendance were representatives of government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, community organizations, partner institutions and host training establishments for student interns, who were all honored with recognition citations.

With gratitude for its rich history and optimism for the future, ESSU proudly moves forward into AY 2026–2027, inspired by the legacy of those who came before and strengthened by the collective support of its stakeholders and partners.

STATEMENT OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION ON THE ISSUANCE OF A SHOW CAUSE ORDER TO ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY

Following the tragic drowning of two student-athletes during a school-sanctioned team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, 2026, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) to Ateneo de Manila University.

On June 9, the Commission, through its National Capital Region (NCR) Office, directed Ateneo de Manila University to submit an incident report, a certificate of compliance with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63 (s. 2017), and the documents required under Article V of CMO No. 6 (s. 2026).

Given the seriousness of the incident and the Commission’s responsibility to ascertain the facts and determine compliance with applicable regulations, CHED made repeated requests for the submission of these documents. Despite follow-ups by CHED-NCR, the University failed to provide the required records and information.

As a result, and in the exercise of its regulatory authority, the Commission issued an SCO on June 16. CHED cannot allow matters involving the loss of student lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed. Higher education institutions are expected to cooperate fully with regulatory processes, particularly in incidents involving student safety and welfare.

Pursuant to applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations, the SCO mandates Ateneo de Manila University to submit a written explanation under oath within ten (10) days from receipt of the Order. The University must state why the Commission should not impose appropriate sanctions for alleged violations of the following:
CMO No. 63 (s. 2017), on the conduct of off-campus activities;
CMO No. 6 (s. 2026), in relation to Republic Act No. 11053 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR); and
Its alleged failure to exercise reasonable supervision over its students in loco parentis.

CHED remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting student welfare and upholding standards across the higher education sector. Institutions entrusted with the care of students must comply with all laws, regulations, and safety requirements, especially in the conduct of off-campus activities.

The Commission likewise urges the public to rely only on official statements and verified information while the proper administrative processes are underway.

Issued this 23rd day of June 2026 at the Higher Education Development Center Building, U.P. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City.

SGD.
SHIRLEY C. AGRUPIS, PhD
Chairperson
Commission on Higher Education

Call for Applications!

The Commission, in partnership with Bulacan State University, is pleased to announce that the application period for the program “Executive Program on Artificial Intelligence for SUCs and LUCs” has been extended until 14 August 2026.

The program is a 10-day intensive face to face training on advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, specifically tailored for higher education faculty. It is designed to upskill participants in cutting-edge AI techniques and IoT technologies, enabling them to conduct advanced research, develop innovative instructional materials, and lead projects in their institution. Course participants will engage in a mix of interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, group activities, and project-based learning.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications through the following links:
Application Templates to download: bit.ly/2026HUSAYApplication
Uploading Form: bit.ly/BulSU_UploadingForm

For more information, the link for the Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson may be accessed here: cms-cdn.e.gov.ph/CHED/pdf/2026-MOC-95_Call-for-Applications-for-Executive-Program-on-AI-for-SUCs-and-LUCs-offered-by-BulSU.pdf

For inquiries, you may send us an email at [email protected].

𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

On June 20, 2026, at Bukidnon State University's Main Campus, I had the pleasure of presiding over the university's second regular governing board meeting.

The Governing Board was able to discuss and deliberate on important policies, programs, and strategic initiatives to further strengthen the university's commitment to academic excellence, institutional growth, innovation, and high-quality higher education, thanks to the meeting's successful conduct. We continue to work toward BukSU's goal of becoming a responsive, inclusive, and future-ready university through shared leadership and collaborative governance.

The productive discussions and decisions made during the meeting reflect our collective commitment to ensuring that Bukidnon State University remains at the forefront of educational development, research, community engagement, and nation-building.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 "𝐃𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐠"

LOOK: Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III delivered an inspiring commencement address during the graduation rites of Bukidnon State University, honoring the 2,010 graduates of the Class of 2026 and challenging them to pursue excellence, integrity, and purposeful leadership as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Addressing the graduates, Commissioner Apag reflected on the rapidly changing world shaped by innovation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. He emphasized that while knowledge and technical skills remain important, the future belongs to individuals who combine competence with character, wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to serving others.

Drawing inspiration from the university's spirit of "Dasig", a culture of perseverance, determination, and continuous improvement, Commissioner Apag encouraged the graduates to reject the mindset of "Pwede na 'yan" and instead strive for excellence in everything they do. He reminded them that meaningful progress is achieved when individuals choose to go beyond what is merely acceptable and work toward what is possible.

The Commissioner likewise underscored that graduation is not simply the culmination of years of academic effort but a transfer of responsibility. He urged the graduates to become innovators, ethical leaders, and nation-builders who will use their education not only for personal success but also to create opportunities and positive change for others.

Recognizing the invaluable support behind every graduate's achievement, Commissioner Apag paid tribute to the parents, families, faculty members, administrators, and staff whose sacrifices, guidance, and unwavering dedication helped shape the graduates' journey.

As the newest graduates of Bukidnon State University move forward into a future filled with possibilities, Commissioner Apag left them with a challenge: to embrace innovation without losing their humanity, to pursue success with integrity, and to leave a legacy that makes life better for others.

"When the future remembers your generation, what will it remember because you were here?"

The Philippines has long struggled with a severe shortage of medical practitioners—falling short of the international minimum standard of 10 per 10,000 recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to expand the country’s medical and nursing education programs to increase the number of healthcare professionals, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has approved the applications of five State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to operate the first and second-year levels of their respective Doctor of Medicine programs, effective Academic Year (AY) 2026-2027: Visayas State University (VSU) – Region VIII; Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) – Region VIII; University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) – Region VIII; Benguet State University (BSU) – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); and Cotabato State University - Cotabato Regional Medical Center School of Medicine (CCSU-CRMC) – Region XII.

READ MORE: https://ched.gov.ph/press-releases/723

Application is Extended!

We are pleased to inform you that the application period for the program titled “Diploma in Teaching” offered by West Visayas State University (WVSU) is EXTENDED until 15 July 2026.

Submit your applications through the following links:
● Application Templates to download: bit.ly/2026HUSAYApplication
● Uploading Form: bit.ly/WVSU_UploadingForm

For more information, the link for the Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson may be accessed here: cms-cdn.e.gov.ph/CHED/pdf/2026-MOC-48_Call%20for%20Applications%20for%20Diploma%20in%20Teaching%20offered%20by%20WVSU.pdf

For inquiries, you may send us an email at [email protected].

𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 & 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

Honored to have presided over the 175th Board of Regents Meeting of Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) on June 16, 2026, at the NISU Board Room.

The meeting served as an important platform for discussing key policies, programs, and initiatives that will further strengthen the university's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and quality higher education. Through collaborative leadership and shared vision, we continue to pave the way for a more responsive and future-ready institution.

Following the Board of Regents Meeting, I had the opportunity to visit NISU campuses across Northern Iloilo, including the Estancia Main and West Campuses, as well as the Ajuy, Lemery, Concepcion, Barotac Viejo, and Sara Campuses. The campus visits provided valuable insights into the university's ongoing programs, facilities, and development initiatives, while allowing meaningful engagement with administrators, faculty members, and staff.

My sincere appreciation to the NISU community for the warm welcome and for their unwavering commitment to excellence in higher education. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen our state universities and colleges, empower our learners, and create greater opportunities for the communities we serve.