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.

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