The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED ROI) paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region I on July 22, 2026, to strengthen collaboration in advancing tourism education and regional development.

A key highlight of the meeting was the initial discussion on a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among CHED ROI, DOT Region I and Region 1 higher education institutions which aims to elevate the quality of tourism and hospitality education and promote service excellence.

Once finalized, the MOU will mark the first formal partnership of both agencies reinforcing their shared commitment to producing globally competitive, industry-ready graduates while supporting the goals of the CHED A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda 2030.

The two agencies also discussed their partnership for CHED ROI’s flagship ASEAN Month celebration, Timpuyog ti Amianan 2026: ASEAN Conference and Competitions, which will be held on August 27–28, 2026, at the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City.

CHED ROI Chief Education Program Specialist Dr. Danilo B. Bose headed the CHED ROI delegation and met with DOT Region I Director Benjamin D. Manahan, Jr. to explore strategic initiatives that will enhance academic-industry collaboration, experiential learning opportunities, and the internationalization of higher education in Region I.

Dr. Bose was joined by Dr. Al Gerald S. Barde and Joy Ann Gurtiza, Education Supervisors II, and Ms. Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Project Technical Staff III (Internationalization).

“When CHED and DOT work together, we accelerate the pathway from classroom learning to industry performance,” said Ms. Gurtiza, the focal for Hospitality and Tourism Management programs of CHED ROI.

“This partnership supports the production of industry-ready graduates through work-integrated learning, competency-based training and alignment with the needs of tourism enterprises and service providers,” she added.

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