Calasiao, Pangasinan – The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED RO1) gathered student leaders, student affairs and services directors, and partner agencies for the 2026 Student Leaders Conference, ACHIEVE for Health and Well-Being Awards, and Higher Education Conference on Gender Issues (HECGI), reinforcing its commitment to cultivating empowered leaders, healthy academic communities, and inclusive campuses on June 30, 2026.

Held under the ACHIEVE framework, the event served as a dynamic platform for promoting student wellness, responsible leadership, gender equality, and safe learning environments across Region I.

Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina, Education Supervisor II of CHEDRO1, commenced the event as she presented the rationale and objectives of the activity, emphasizing the vital role of student leaders and educational institutions in fostering holistic well-being and inclusive campus communities.

In her welcome message, Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III, Director IV of CHEDRO1, underscored the transformative role of student leadership in shaping the future of higher education. “Student leadership goes beyond holding positions—it is about inspiring positive change and becoming advocates of health, inclusivity, and responsible citizenship. Through this conference, we empower our students and stakeholders to become partners in building academic communities where every learner can thrive, lead, and contribute meaningful to society,” Dr. Ancheta-Diego said.

The keynote address was delivered by Assistant Secretary Ma. Victoria C. Sorne, Deputy Executive Director for Administration of the Dangerous Drugs Board, who discussed “Strengthening Youth Leadership in Advancing the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS).”

She highlighted the critical role of young leaders in championing preventive education and community engagement. “The youth are not merely beneficiaries of national programs; they are catalysts for transformation.

By equipping young leaders with knowledge, values, and a sense of responsibility, we strengthen our collective efforts toward advancing the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy and creating safer, healthier communities,” Assistant Secretary Sorne remarked.

A major highlight of the event was the ACHIEVE for Health and Well-Being Awards, which recognized outstanding student leaders, exemplary higher education institutions, and national government agency partners for their significant contributions to advancing health and well-being initiatives in the academic community.

The overview of the awards was presented by Dr. Danilo B. Bose, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHEDRO1.

During the awarding ceremony, Mr. V-Jay Remolacio, a student at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), was conferred the Outstanding Student Leader for the ACHIEVE for Health and Well-Being Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership, active engagement in health and wellness initiatives, and meaningful contributions toward fostering a culture of well-being and student empowerment within the academic community.

Likewise, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) was recognized as the Outstanding Higher Education Institution for the ACHIEVE for Health and Well-Being Award for its steadfast commitment to institutionalizing programs and initiatives that promote holistic wellness, safe learning environments, and student-centered development.

The recognition underscored the vital role of student leaders and higher education institutions as partners of CHED in advancing health promotion, well-being, and inclusive educational practices.

The awards also served as an inspiration for higher education institutions across Region I to continue cultivating campuses where learners can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The conference also featured four thematic sessions addressing critical issues in higher education.

For Thematic Session I: Promoting Health and Well-Being in Higher Education, Ms. Rita Sescar, Chief Education Program Specialist of the CHED Office of Student Development Services, discussed pathways toward promoting health and well-being in higher education institutions.

During Thematic Session II: Building Safe and Secure Campus Communities, Atty. Premier Dee Ewigkeit C. Castro, Regional Director of the Public Attorney’s Office Region I, discussed the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

Under Thematic Session III: Advancing Gender Equality and Inclusive Campuses, Ms. Kristine Dela Vega, STI, HIV and AIDS Program Manager, discussed HIV and AIDS policies and prevention strategies.

Likewise, Atty. Dessa Estrada, Education Supervisor II, CHEDRO1, presented the provisions of Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law).

For Thematic Session IV: Institutionalizing Quality Student Affairs and Services in Higher Education, Dr. Angelica Q. Dolores, Supervising Education Program Specialist of CHEDRO1, and Dr. Mitchellene Rivo, Education Supervisor II, discussed CHED requirements for Student Affairs and Services (SAS).

The conference concluded with a closing message from Dr. Ricky Cera, Supervising Administrative Officer of CHEDRO1, who encouraged participants to transform learning into meaningful action.

A total of 130 participants attended the event held at the Monarch Hotel.

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