Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III

24/09/2026

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗, 𝗨𝗣𝗢𝗨 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) signed a Memorandum of Agreement today to strengthen how knowledge and skills gained outside the traditional classroom are assessed and recognized toward higher education qualifications.

CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis and UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano led the signing for the implementation of the Executive Program on Advancing Competency-Based Holistic and Inclusive Evaluation for Assessors of Prior Learning (ACHIEVE-APL).

Through ACHIEVE-APL, assessors will be trained to evaluate evidence, design appropriate assessment tools, and apply quality assurance measures. The program aims to build a pool of competent and ethical assessors who can fairly and consistently evaluate knowledge and skills gained through work, training, community service, and other experiences—supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to expand lifelong learning and align education with workforce needs

READ MORE: https://ched.gov.ph/press-releases/851

24/09/2026

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝟵.𝟳𝟱𝟯 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟭𝟬𝟰 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝘀

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is moving to address P9.753 billion in accumulated Free Higher Education (FHE) funding deficiencies across 104 state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide, covering Academic Years 2022–2023 to 2024–2025.

CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis led a ceremonial turnover on September 24, marking the national government’s action to address outstanding obligations to SUCs that had continued providing free tuition and other school fees over three academic years under Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

In August, the Department of Budget and Management released P9.753 billion to CHED for the payment of these deficiencies, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s priority of sustaining access to education while strengthening the institutions that deliver it.

READ MORE: https://ched.gov.ph/press-releases/852

24/09/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬’ 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), through the Office of Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III, conducted the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council (SEIAC) Technical Working Group 2 (TWG 2) Talent Development Logframe Workshop on 22 September 2026 at the CHED Central Office. The workshop focused on reviewing and populating the TWG 2 Talent Development Implementation Logframe for 2027–2031, aligned with the outputs and outcomes of the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Roadmap.

The workshop was attended by Deputy Director General Nelly Nita N. Dillera, together with representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Board of Investments (BOI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as well as other members and stakeholders of SEIAC TWG 2.

The activity featured a presentation by Dr. Louis P. Alarcon of the University of the Philippines Diliman, who discussed the Philippine semiconductor and integrated circuit (IC) design landscape, including the growing complexity of semiconductor technologies, the demand for highly skilled IC designers, and the need to strengthen the country’s graduate-level talent pipeline. His presentation also highlighted opportunities for research and development, faculty development, graduate education, and stronger collaboration among government, academe, and industry. Dr. Alarcon is identified as Head of the UP Electrical & Electronics Engineering Institute Microlab and Program Leader of the Center for Integrated Circuits & Devices Research.

The workshop also provided an avenue for participating agencies to discuss their respective programs, initiatives, targets, and potential contributions to the 2027–2031 Talent Development Implementation Logframe.

Through continued collaboration among government agencies, higher education institutions, research organizations, and industry stakeholders, the workshop contributes to efforts to develop a sustainable, globally competitive semiconductor and electronics talent pipeline for the Philippines.

24/09/2026

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) proudly joins the global community in celebrating the World Maritime Day (WMD) 2026 today, September 24, guided by the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
PMMA stands firm in its duty to form leaders of the seas who embody discipline, excellence, and service to the nation.

Visit this link to learn more about WMD 2026:
[https://www.imo.org/.../world-maritime-theme-2026-2027.aspx]

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) proudly joins the global community in celebrating the World Maritime Day (WMD) 2026 today, September 24, guided by the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”

PMMA stands firm in its duty to form leaders of the seas who embody discipline, excellence, and service to the nation.

Visit this link to learn more about WMD 2026: [https://www.imo.org/en/about/events/pages/world-maritime-theme-2026-2027.aspx]

22/09/2026

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Artificial intelligence is already transforming how we learn, teach, research, and work. CHED is setting a national direction to help Philippine higher education adopt it responsibly and harness its potential to improve learning, strengthen research, and make institutional processes more efficient.

Through CHED Memorandum Order No. 21, series of 2026, the Commission has established a national framework to guide 2,366 higher education institutions and 188,261 faculty members in the responsible use of AI – for the benefit of more than 5.8 million students.

This supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to strengthen AI skills and promote the responsible use of emerging technologies as the country prepares Filipinos for future jobs and a more technology-driven economy.

READ MORE: https://ched.gov.ph/press-releases/850

18/09/2026

DEBESMSCAT BOT gives full nod to agenda at 116th meeting

The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) Board of Trustees gave a full go-ahead to all proposals on the table during its 116th Regular Meeting on September 16, underscoring the governing body’s continued backing for the state college’s development agenda.

The meeting, held at the DEBESMSCAT College Board Room, was presided over by Board Chairperson Hon. Desiderio R. Apag III, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The Board tackled a range of institutional proposals and agenda items presented by the college administration, approving 100 percent of the matters submitted for deliberation.

The decisions cover initiatives intended to reinforce DEBESMSCAT’s academic programs, institutional operations, and development priorities as the college continues to strengthen its systems and services.

Beyond approving proposals, the regular BOT meeting served as a key policy and decision-making forum where institutional priorities were reviewed and aligned with the college’s mandate and strategic direction.

The unanimous action of the Board provides institutional backing for the administration’s continuing efforts to advance academic excellence, strengthen governance, and pursue development initiatives responsive to the needs of the DEBESMSCAT community.

15/09/2026

CONGRATULATIONS, University of Rizal System!

The University of Rizal System (URS) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievement of Jovit Leynard S. Tibay, RME for securing Rank 2 in the September 2026 Registered Master Electricians Licensure Examination (RMELE)!

Your remarkable performance is a testament to your dedication, perseverance, technical excellence, and commitment to achieving your dreams. You have brought honor and pride to the University of Rizal System and inspired fellow URS Giants to strive for excellence in their chosen fields.

May this success mark the beginning of greater accomplishments in your professional journey. Continue to shine and make a difference in the electrical engineering and technical community!

Congratulations, Jovit!

15/09/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫. 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐆. 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞

As the first woman to lead the University of Antique in its 72-year history, President Hisole marks a historic milestone in the institution’s continuing journey of excellence, service, and transformation.

Her investiture is not only a celebration of leadership but also a recognition of the rich legacy of the University of Antique and the immense opportunities that lie ahead.

As the University continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of society, the Commission looks forward to working with President Hisole, the Board of Regents, the faculty and staff, the students, and all stakeholders in advancing quality, accessible, and responsive higher education.

May your presidency be defined by visionary leadership, principled governance, meaningful accomplishments, and a steadfast commitment to the socioeconomic development of Antique.

Congratulations, President Dr. Godelyn G. Hisole! May your leadership inspire a new chapter of excellence and progress for the University of Antique.

15/09/2026

13/09/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐉𝐫!

On this special occasion, we extend our warmest birthday greetings to His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and our sincere appreciation for his steadfast leadership, dedication, and continued support for advancing higher education in the Philippines.

The importance of accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education in creating a more forward-thinking and competitive country is reflected in your administration's dedication to bolstering the higher education sector. Our higher education institutions are empowered to pursue academic excellence, foster innovation, bolster research and development, and give Filipino students more opportunities and brighter futures. Thank you for your unwavering support to our Philippine Higher Education Institutions.

As we commemorate your birthday, may you continue to guide our nation toward meaningful advancement and sustainable development with health, wisdom, and renewed strength. I hope that educators, academic leaders, government agencies, and the Filipino people will continue to work together as a result of your vision for a stronger and more resilient Philippines.

Happy Birthday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.! May your journey in public service continue to be guided by purpose, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the Filipino people. Mabuhay po kayo, Mr. President!