Commissioner Ricmar P. Aquino

The Commission on Higher Education celebrates the 128th Philippine Independence Day!

Honoring the HEIs bridging the gap between experience, global excellence, and academic success!
At the heart of CHED’s 32nd Anniversary is a deep gratitude for our Higher Education Institutions. During the celebration, CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis led the official recognition of the newly approved providers for ETEEAP and Transnational Higher Education (TNHE).
Here is how these institutions are transforming lives:
💼 Through ETEEAP: Helping working professionals, government workers, and OFWs convert years of real-world work experience into a formal bachelor's or master's degree.
🌐 Through TNHE: Building partnerships with international universities to offer world-class, globally competitive degrees right here at home.
Thank you for making quality education more inclusive and world-class. Padayon, institutions of higher learning.

A major highlight of the Commission’s 32nd Anniversary Celebration was the formal signing of several landmark agreements led by CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, alongside key government agencies and education stakeholders—all aimed at addressing pressing national development needs and empowering the Filipino workforce.
✅ Partnering with the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, to secure a steady, robust supply of healthcare professionals nationwide.
✅ Launching the LINGAP Program with DepEd, led by Secretary Sonny Angara and represented by Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral, to offer advanced scholarships for future Guidance Counselors and Psychologists.
✅ Updating the CoScho program with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), led by Administrator Dexter Buted, to expand benefits for coconut farmers and their families.
✅ Launching the Cebu Convergence Initiative alongside TESDA, led by Secretary Kiko Benitez, and academic institutions to build the next-generation workforce for the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Thirty-two years of dedication, transformation, and unity. Together with our partners and stakeholders, the Commission will continue to bridge dreams and build a future-ready nation through quality tertiary education.

𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The PHITEST Europe Study Mission 2026 marks a significant step toward building a world-class technology validation and certification ecosystem for the Philippines. Through benchmarking visits in France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, valuable insights and international partnerships were forged to strengthen our nation's capacity for innovation, commercialization, and global competitiveness.

"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻."

This mission secured critical insights, partnerships, and implementation frameworks necessary to establish a national validation ecosystem capable of transforming Philippine innovations into globally trusted and market-ready technologies.

Together with DOST and CHED, we continue to pave the way for technologies that are not only developed in the Philippines but are globally trusted and market-ready.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀. 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱.





To learn more about the PHITEST Europe Study Mission 2026 and its key outcomes, please refer to the photos below.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐅, 𝐎𝐏𝐑𝐊𝐌, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐑𝐂𝐏 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬.

On 9 June 2026, Commissioner Ricmar P. Aquino met with the directors and members of the Office of Programs and Research Knowledge Management (OPRKM), the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF), and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) at the Office of the Commissioner to discuss the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and other matters related to institutional collaboration.

The meeting centered on strengthening partnerships in research, innovation, and knowledge generation, with particular emphasis on advancing initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions explored areas of cooperation that will enhance the role of higher education institutions in addressing national and global development challenges through evidence-based research and policy support.

Through sustained collaboration among key stakeholders, CHED continues to champion research-driven solutions and strategic partnerships that contribute to sustainable development, academic excellence, and the advancement of the Philippine higher education sector.

LOOK | CNU prexy elected chair of research council in Visayas

Cebu Normal University President Dr. Laurence Garcia is now the chairperson of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) - Visayas Cluster.

Dr. Garcia was elected on June 5 and formally took his oath of office today via Zoom, together with newly elected NRCP officers from across the Visayas region.

He will serve a two-year term for Fiscal Year 2026-2028, leading the cluster's initiatives in advancing research and innovation.

“The path ahead may be demanding, but it is also filled with promise—the promise of nurturing future scholars, advancing meaningful discoveries, and helping shape regions and islands where research becomes a powerful force for progress, service, and hope,” said Dr. Garcia.

An attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) is composed of distinguished researchers, scientists, engineers, technologists, and scholars from the natural, social, and humanities sciences nationwide. The Council serves as a vital platform for advancing research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking in support of national development.

Dr. Garcia’s election is a significant milestone not only in his leadership journey but also for CNU as a premier research institution. It reflects the University's steadfast commitment to advancing research and innovation for national development and nation-building.

The CNU community joins in celebrating this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to Dr. Garcia’s continued service in strengthening the research landscape of the Visayas and the Philippines.

Congratulations, Dr. Garcia!

𝑨𝑲𝑳𝑨𝑵 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑻𝑬 𝑼𝑵𝑰𝑽𝑬𝑹𝑺𝑰𝑻𝒀 - 𝑩𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑨 𝑪𝑨𝑴𝑷𝑼𝑺 2026 𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻 𝑬𝑿𝑬𝑹𝑪𝑰𝑺𝑬𝑺 𝑯𝑬𝑳𝑫 𝑶𝑵 𝑱𝑼𝑵𝑬 05, 2026

With pride and anticipation, the 1,341 graduands of the Class of 2026 marched toward the ABL Sports Complex as Aklan State University – Banga Campus held its 2026 Commencement Exercises on June 5, 2026.

CHED Commissioner Ricmar P. Aquino graced the ceremony and delivered the commencement address anchored on the theme, “Transforming Futures through Innovative and Resilient Higher Education.”

In his message, Commissioner Aquino underscored the vital role of higher education in shaping graduates who are not only competent and future-ready, but also resilient, innovative, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the nation.

Congratulations to the ASU-Banga Class of 2026. May this milestone mark the beginning of greater opportunities, purposeful service, and continued excellence.

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), served as the commencement speaker during this year’s graduation rites at Aklan State University.

In his address, Dr. Aquino challenged the graduates to look beyond the achievements they have already attained and focus instead on how they will use their education to make a meaningful difference in society. Anchored on the message, “The question is not what you have achieved, but what you will do with what you have achieved,” he reminded the graduating class that education is not the destination, but the foundation upon which they will build their future.

Recognizing the rapidly changing world marked by technological advancements, social challenges, and global uncertainties, Dr. Aquino emphasized that the nation’s greatest strength lies in its people. He encouraged the graduates to use their skills, creativity, courage, and compassion not only for personal success but also for the advancement of their communities and the country as a whole.

He further shared three key calls to action for the graduates: to remain hungry for learning, to be courageous in pursuing their dreams, and to serve beyond themselves. Stressing the importance of integrity, resilience, and innovation, he urged them to become ethical leaders, responsible citizens, and active contributors to nation-building.

As he concluded his speech, Dr. Aquino left the graduates with a powerful reminder that the future is not something that simply awaits them—it is something they will help shape. He called on the Class of 2026 to move forward not only as degree holders, but as leaders, changemakers, and nation-builders whose actions will define the story of tomorrow.

via Syd Audrey Delos Reyes
Layout by Kenneth Aron

𝙃𝙊𝙉. 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙀𝙍 𝙍𝙄𝘾𝙈𝘼𝙍 𝘼𝙌𝙐𝙄𝙉𝙊 𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙄𝘿𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙍 𝙏𝙃𝙀 2𝙉𝘿 𝙌𝙐𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝘽𝙊𝘼𝙍𝘿 𝙊𝙁 𝙍𝙀𝙂𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙎 𝙈𝙀𝙀𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙊𝙁 𝙄𝙎𝙐𝙁𝙎𝙏

On June 4, 2026, Commissioner Ricmar Aquino, Chair-Designate of the Board of Regents of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), presided over the Board's 2nd Quarter Meeting.

Led by University President Nordy Siason Jr., the meeting tackled key agenda items, including the President’s Report and matters for approval concerning fiscal, administrative, and academic affairs.

The meeting was also attended by Hon. Regent Cong. Ferj Biron, who actively participated in discussions on strategic initiatives and possible measures to further strengthen ISUFST’s academic excellence, research capabilities, and global competitiveness. These efforts are aimed at positioning the University for greater recognition and establishing ISUFST as a globally recognized institution of higher learning.

During the proceedings, the Board also formally welcomed the newly appointed Private Sector Representative, Atty. Fidel P. Salcedo, as a member of the Board of Regents.

Through engagements such as these, the Commission continues to strengthen shared leadership, promote sound governance, and foster collaborative action to ensure that State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) remain responsive, resilient, and impactful contributors to national development.

𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐏. 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐒𝐔𝐅𝐒𝐓

On 4 June 2026, Commissioner Ricmar Aquino visited the campuses of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), together with ISUFST President Nordy Siason, Jr., to engage with the university community and gain firsthand insights into the institution's programs, initiatives, and development priorities.

The visit included discussions on ISUFST's contributions to higher education, research, extension, and innovation, as well as tours of key facilities that support student learning, research productivity, and institutional growth.

Commissioner Aquino commended the University's commitment to academic excellence and reaffirmed the Commission on Higher Education's continued support for state universities and colleges in advancing quality, accessible, and transformative higher education for all Filipinos.