Education, they say, is a gift. A lot of parents would say that it is one thing no one can take away. However, to South African revolutionary and philanthropist Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Unfortunately, despite the apparent value offered by college degrees to citizens and the world at large, the numbers tell a somewhat different story.
The State of Higher Education in the Philippines
It is a universal belief that a college degree not only offers more opportunities, it also creates more informed citizens, better health, better parents, more job satisfaction, and offer some other noneconomic benefits, particularly to those who belong to the mid-to-low classes. Unfortunately, not everyone can manage to tap into the multitude of benefits associated with getting a degree.
Whether it’s an enrollment or a completion issue, higher education is not an opportunity that is easy to grasp for a lot of people. The problem: There exists a direct link between parental income and higher education and it bogs down any attempt of low to mid-income families’ children to get a degree, keeping them from closing the opportunity gap in the market.
To turn higher education into the mobility-enhancing vehicle that it can potentially be and solve the opportunity gap in the job market, experts believe that
- Low-income children should be encouraged to go to college; and
- Policymakers must offer policies that would help finance the education of low to mid-income families.
This prescription is fine as far as it goes, and because studies have proven that these efforts can successfully motivate the less advantaged to aspire for college degrees, the Philippine government has taken it upon itself to offer some sort of support through the initiatives of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
CHED: Free College Education and Other Programs
Free Tuition in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
As proof of its commitment to improve enrollment rates in colleges and universities, and to help with the college expenses and needs of students, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) partnered with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Commission on Audit (COA), and the other oversight government agencies, resulting in an eight billion peso (PhP8B) budget for Free Tuition for all Undergraduate Students in all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) provisioned in the 2017 General Appropriations Act.
Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs)
On top of the Free Tuition for all Undergraduate Students in all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), CHED also offers the Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) — a government-funded program meant to aid the development of talented students. This program was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 10687 and is otherwise known as the Unified Financial Assistance System for
Tertiary Education (UniFAST).
Different kinds of StuFAPs
Under the UniFAST program, there are three major kinds of support that CHED offers to deserving students seeking for a college degree. Among them are:
- Scholarships
CHED offers differen kinds of financial support to qualified students based on
merit or talent — be it extraordinary academic performance, special technical capability, and skills in the field of research and development (R&D), innovation and other creative work. Some scholarship programs offered by CHED include the Full State Scholarship Program (FSSP), Full Private Education Student Financial Assistance (FPESPA), Half State Scholarship Program (HSSP), and Half Private Education Student Financial Assistance (HPESPA).
- Grant-in-Aid
Grants offered by CHED requires a minimum level of capacity (to tackle college work) from poor but qualified students so they could finish tertiary education.
- Student loan
In addition to scholarships and grants, CHED also offers short- or long-term loans to students who are short of cash. This program is available to everyone, regardless of their economic status during the time of enrollment. The student or his parents, guardians or co-makers are expected to pay the loan as soon as they become gainfully employed.
In an effort to bring these programs closer to the Filipinos, CHED also empowered the regions by creating frontline organic units in each region. These units, now known as the regional offices, are meant to make the delivery of CHED’s services and the implementation of its programs much more efficient and accessible for the stakeholders.
CHED Regional Offices
The Regional Offices as CHED’s frontline units play the most crucial role of implementating the policies and programs of the Commission and in higher education reform, under the following general terms of reference:
- Monitor the implementation of national policies and programs and enforce the academic standards at the regional level;
- Coordinate the creation of higher education plans and programs according to the needs and potentials of the region and in consultation with other regional offices;
- Provide assistance to the CHED Central Office in allocating resources and preparing composite higher education budget for the region;
- Undertake research, conduct or outsource studies applicable to the region and distribute the information to all institutions and agencies;
- Provide technical assistance and formulate relevant training program to higher education institutions; and
- Collect and analyze higher education information relative to the region while maintaining an adequate management information system.
On top of these responsibilities, CHEDROs are also in charge of:
- Implementing the plans, policies, standards, guidelines, rules and regulations of the Commission concerning the operation of Higher Education Institutions in the regions;
- Monitoring and evaluating the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region based on the minimum standards for the various higher education programs;
- Issuing permits and recognition for the various program offerings of private higher education institutions (HEIs);
- Coordinating the projects and programs of the Commission in the region for the development and improvement of the higher education system;
- Formulating and updating regional higher education development plans;
- Implementing scholarship, study grants and student financial assistance programs as well as other relevant student auxiliary services
- Gathering and collection of basic higher education data or statistics for the region;
- Disseminating PSGs, higher education data and other relevant information for guidance of stakeholders;
- Coordinating the provision of efficient and effective student services (e.g., issuance of Special Orders, certification, authentication and verification of academic records, etc.);
- Representing the Commission in participating in the affairs of the Regional Development Council; and
- Establishing networks/linkages with and participates in the activities of other government and non-government agencies, organizations or institutions.
Directory of CHED Regional Offices
In carrying out all these responsibilities, CHED ensures that the following regional offices are equipped and well-manned to address any concern within their scope of responsibilities within their designated region.
These regional offices can be reached or contacted as follows:
CHEDRO I
Director: Dr. Rogelio T. Galera Jr.
Address: Government Center Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union
Telephone: (072) 242-0238 / 682-9623
Telefax: (072) 242-2750
Email: chedro1@ched.gov.ph
Website: http://chedro1.com/
CHEDRO II
Director: Julieta M. Paras, Ed.D., CESE
Address: Regional Development Center Carig, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Telephone: (078) 396-0651 / 304-1650
Email: chedro2@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/region2/
CHEDRO III
OIC Director: Dr. Maria Teresita M. Semana, CESO IV
Address: Regional Government Center Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Telephone: (045) 436-1847
Telefax: (045) 455-1662
Email: chedro3@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://chedro3.ched.gov.ph/
CHEDRO IV
Director: Dr. Amelia A. Biglete, CESO III
Address: 2nd Floor Higher Education Development Center Bldg. C.P. Garcia Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City
Telephone: (02) 8332-4734
Email: ched4a@ched.gov.ph
CHEDRO MIMAROPA
Director: Atty. Joselito C. Alisuag
Address: Higher Education Development Center Bldg. C.P. Garcia Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City
Telephone: (02) 8922-1850
Email: chedro4b@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/regionmimaropa/
CHEDRO V
Director: Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CESO III
Address: CHEDRO Building, EM’s Barrio South, Brgy. 2, Legaspi City
Telephone: (052) 481-5096
Telefax: (052) 481-5095
Email: chedro5@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/region5/
CHEDRO VI
Director: Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, CESO III
Address: Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City
Telephone: (033) 327-2029
Email: chedro6@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/region6/
CHEDRO VII
Director: Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, CESO III
Address: National Government Center, Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City
Telephone: (032) 414-9194 / 414-9195 / 422-7096
Email: chedro7@ched.gov.ph
CHEDRO VIII
Director: Dr. George M. Colorado, CESO III
Address: Athletic Road, Brgy. 43-B, Quarry District, Tacloban City, Leyte. 6500
Telephone: (053) 888-1343
Telefax: (053) 888-1343
Email: chedro8@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/region8/
CHEDRO IX
Director: Dr. Rody P. Garcia
Address: Polytechnic Compound Baliwasan, Chico, Zamboanga City
Telephone: (062) 991-7648 / 991-7084
Telefax: (062) 991-7649
Email: chedro9@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/region9/
CHEDRO X
Director: Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., CESO III
Address: Mon James Hayes St., Brgy. 40, Cagayan de Oro City
Telephone: (088) 880-8513 / 880-8563
Telefax: (088) 856-4380
Email: chedro10@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/region10/
CHEDRO XI
Director: Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, CESO III
Address: Loyola St., Bo Obrero, University of Southeastern Philippines Compound, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 295-3418 loc. 101
Email: chedro11@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/region11/
CHEDRO XII
Director: Dr. Nelia A. Alibin
Address: Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, AH26 Marbel, Koronadal City
Telephone: (083) 228-1127 / 228-7570
Telefax: (083) 228-11-30
Email: chedro12@ched.gov.ph
CHEDRO NCR
Director: Dr. Virginia D. Akiate, CESO III
Address: 2nd Floor Higher Education Development Center Bldg. C.P. Garcia Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City
Telephone: (02) 8441-0879 / 8441-0985 / 8441-1224
Email: chedncr@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/ncr/
CHEDRO CAR
Director: Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr.
Address: BSU Compound La Trinidad, Benguet
Telephone: (074) 422-4052
Telefax:(074) 422-2418
Email: chedcar@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/car/
CHEDRO CARAGA
Director: Dr. Leonida S. Calagui, CESO III
Address: Caraga State University (CSU) Ampayon, Butuan City
Telephone: (085) 342-5253 / 815-3699
Telefax: (085) 816-2408
Email: chedcaraga@ched.gov.ph
Website: https://ched.gov.ph/caraga/
CHED Central Offices
For specific concerns regarding the programs and policies of the Commission, the CHED also designated specific offices to address them. These offices are housed under the Central Office and can be contacted as follows:
OFFICE OF THE CHAIRPERSON AND COMMISSIONERS (OCC)
J. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III, DPA, Chairperson
Tel no: (02) 8441-1260
Email address: chairperson@ched.gov.ph
LILIAN A. DE LAS LLAGAS, MScTM, Ph.D., LLB, Commissioner
Tel no: (02) 8441-11-68
Email address: ldelasllagas@ched.gov.ph
RONALD L. ADAMAT Ph.D., Commissioner
Tel no: (02) 8441-11-73
Email address: radamat@ched.gov.ph
PERFECTO A. ALIBIN, Ed. D., Commissioner
Tel no: (02) 8441-11-72
Email address: pecalibin@ched.gov.ph
ALDRIN A. DARILAG, PhD, RMT, RN, Commissioner
Tel no: (02) 8441-11-43
Email address: comaldrin.darilag@ched.gov.ph
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (OED)
ATTY. CINDERELLA FILIPINA S. BENITEZ-JARO, Executive Director IV
Tel no: 09985921880
Email address: executivedirector@ched.gov.ph
ATTY. LILY FREIDA C. MACABANGUN-MILLA, CESO IV; Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Deputy Executive Director IV
Tel no: 09985921880
Email address: lmilla@ched.gov.ph
OFFICE OF PROGRAMS AND STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT (OPSD)
DR. CHERRIE MELANIE ANCHETA-DIEGO, CESO III, Director IV
Tel no: (02) 8441-12-28
Email address: opsd2019@ched.gov.ph
CHIEF OF STAFF, OFFICE OF THE CHAIRPERSON
CORINNA FRANCES CABANILLA,Director III;
OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE AND GOVERNANCE (OIQAG)
LUISA S. VALENCIA, CESO IV, Director IV
Coordination and Governance Division
Tel no: (02) 8441 – 1254
Quality Assurance Division Tel no: (02) 8351 – 0803
Email address: lvalencia@ched.gov.ph
OFFICE OF PLANNING, RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (OPRKM)
DR. MARY SYLVETTE T. GUNIGUNDO OIC, Office of the Director IV
Tel no: 0999-4445-996
Email address: oprkmdirector@ched.gov.ph
OFFICE OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES (OSDS)
DR. MARIVIC V. IRIBERRI OIC, Office of the Director IV
Tel no:(02) 8988-00-01 / 8441-12-20
Email address: osds@ched.gov.ph
LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICE (LLS)
ATTY. FREDERICK MIKHAIL I. FAROLAN, Director IV
Tel no:(02) 8988-0002
Email address: chedlegal@ched.gov.ph
ADMINISTRATIVE, FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SERVICE (AFMS)
ATTY. SEPTON A. DE LA CRUZ, Director IV
Telefax: (02) 8441-11-70
Email address: sdelacruz@ched.gov.ph
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS STAFF (IAS)
MS. JOY CHRISTINE B. GITAU; Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Director III
Telefax: (02) 8441-07-50
HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT FUND STAFF (HEDFS)
ATTY. CHRISTIAN E. RIVERO, Director III
Telefax: (02) 8441-12-35 / 8441-13-69
CORINNA FRANCES CABANILLA, Director-in-Charge,
Scholarships for Graduate Studies – Local for Higher Education Institutions (SGS-L), Implementation of SIKAP Grants, Short Term Scholarships (STS), and Professional Advancement Grants (Local)
Website: http://chedk12.com/inquiry
UNIFIED STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION (UNIFAST)
ATTY. RYAN L. ESTEVEZ, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Executive Director IV
Tel no: (+63) 998-985-2955 / (+63) 928-551-1317
Website: https://unifast.gov.ph/
PHILIPPINE CALIFORNIA ADVANCED RESEARCH INSTITUTES (PCARI)
LUISA S. VALENCIA, CESO IV, Project Manager
Tel no: (02) 8352-55-91 / 8376-17-58
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Tel no: Tel. (02) 8441 – 1030
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/hrdd.chedco.ph/
If you ever find yourself struggling regarding free education, a program, or a policy that the CHEDRO or the different offices under the Central Office can’t address, or you wish to reach out to CHED through another means, then you may drop them a line via:
Mail: phlconnect@ched.gov.ph.
Address: 55 C.P. Garcia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila.
Phone: (02) 8411-1260.
Summary
There is no question that the future of the workforce and the various industries will be in a better state with more education, but given that schools remain the best avenue where learning can be more effectively provided, the CHED’s initiatives are providing a vitally important service. That said, these various offices under them deserve more resources for this purpose.
After all, education, particularly higher education, remains to be the first step in gaining knowledge, critical thinking skills, empowerment, and practical skills necessary to make this world a better place.
Though the value of a college degree should not be measured solely in terms of the payoff in the labor market, still, the students would do well to take advantage of the multitude of free institutional choices — CHED programs and benefits — available to them by first visiting any of the CHED offices listed above.