𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗥𝗢𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗚𝗔𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union — The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED ROI) convened selected national government agencies (NGAs) for a consultative meeting on the implementation of lifelong learning programs at the CHED ROI Conference Room in the City of San Fernando, La Union on May 25, 2026.

The meeting gathered representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to discuss collaborative strategies aimed at strengthening lifelong learning initiatives in Region 1.

Among the key topics discussed were the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL), and micro-credentials.

Dr. Ricky Cera, Supervising Administrative Officer, delivered the welcome message and emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in promoting accessible, flexible, and inclusive education opportunities for Filipinos.

Dr. Myrelle Faith D. Mina and Dr. Al Gerald Barde, Education Supervisors, presented the statement of purpose and provided an overview of lifelong learning programs, including regional data and updates on ETEEAP, ODeL, and micro-credentials.

Representatives from participating agencies included Director II Marivic Mondina, Ms. Marissa C. Naboye, Dr. Amapola Villar, and Ms. Rubylyn Munar from OWWA; Ms. Jeremiah Mendoza from DOLE; Ms. Michelle Villanueva from DTI; and Ms. Dionne Cleo Cruz from DMW.

During the presentations, participating agencies shared sectoral insights and perspectives relevant to lifelong learning implementation.

Ms. Villanueva discussed the agency’s programs that may be implemented in partnership with CHED ROI and higher education institutions (HEIs), including the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) and “You Can Be Your Own Boss” (BYOB) initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, MS. Mendoza presented labor market trends, in-demand jobs, workforce reskilling and upskilling requirements, and employment-related education priorities.

Ms. Cruz highlighted international labor market requirements, recognition of prior learning, and competencies needed for global employment.

Dr. Villar, on the other hand, focused on the continuing education needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents, as well as scholarship grants such as the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP).

An open forum followed, allowing participants to exchange ideas, raise concerns, and explore possible collaborations and policy recommendations to further strengthen the implementation of lifelong learning programs in the region.

The activity concluded with CHED ROI expressing appreciation to the participating agencies for their valuable contributions and reaffirming its commitment to advancing lifelong learning initiatives in support of the Commission’s ACHIEVE Agenda and the national vision of developing a future-ready and globally competitive Filipino workforce.