Wesleyan University – Philippines (WUP), together with other Region 3 representatives—including presidents of state universities and colleges, local colleges, and private higher education institutions—expressed their support for the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) ACHIEVE Agenda as CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis marked her first 100 days in office at the Higher Education Summit held on September 15, 2025, at The Manila Hotel, City of Manila.

Representing WUP on behalf of Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro, Jr. (President) was Dr. Juanito C. Leabres, Jr., Interim Director, Office of Instruction, and concurrent Director of the Office for Lifelong Learning. Bishop Elorde Sambat and Dr. Margie DG. Dela Cruz, WUP Board of Trustees members, were also present at this event.

The summit, themed “CONVERGE TO ACHIEVE: Transforming Higher Education, Achieving Together”, convened higher education leaders, partner agencies, legislators, and international experts to advance reforms under the ACHIEVE framework. It also aims to make higher education more accessible, future-ready, and globally competitive.

“We cannot build ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ on a weak foundation… Education cannot remain just an aspiration; it must be guaranteed that every Filipino, in every barangay from Batanes to Sulu, can rely on it. From day one, my focus has been clear: to ensure that every policy, every program, and every initiative of CHED tackles the gaps that have long held back Philippine Higher Education. Today, as CHED Chairperson, I carry this vision forward—this bold dream that every Filipino household will have a college or technical-vocational graduate like me,” declared CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis as she marked her first 100 days in office.

She also presented the ACHIEVE Agenda, underscoring key reforms and accomplishments that advance access, competitiveness, holistic development, innovation, equity, and value formation in higher education. Among the milestones were the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), Micro-credential Guidelines, the Open Distance e-Learning Policy, the AI Upskilling Roadmap, and the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program.

National Government Agencies, including TESDA, DOLE, DMW, CHR, and DOST, also made a symbolic highlight as they signed a Commitment Wall—underscoring multi-sectoral collaboration to strengthen workforce development, advance research and innovation, and uphold human rights in higher education.

In his message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., represented by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, reaffirmed the administration’s strong commitment to investing in higher education. He emphasized that education is the foundation of national progress and assured continued support through programs such as the Tertiary Education Subsidy and Tulong Dunong Program under UniFAST.

“Kaya’t hinihikayat ng administration ang CHED, ang ating mga pamantasan, ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan, at higit sa lahat, ang ating mga mamamayan na gamitin ang ‘ACHIEVE Agenda’ bilang gabay sa mas progresibong mataas na edukasyon… Let us shape our nation where every student can dream without limits, where every worker can learn without barriers, and where every community can thrive without the fear of being left behind,” his statement read.

International experts also shared global best practices. Dr. Melinda Hall of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority presented strategies on bridging experience and education, while Dr. Mohammad Afzhan Khan discussed Recognition of Prior Learning. Dr. Paulina Pannen of the Indonesia Cyber Education Institute introduced CEI’s best practices in cyber education.

Dr. Leabres took the opportunity to expand the WUP’s network with other higher education institutions, agencies, and organizations present by initiating discussions in line with the University’s preparations in offering the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) and online delivery of programs.

The Summit also launched the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, giving more opportunities for deserving Filipino students to pursue higher education. It also introduced CHED’s Guidebook for the ETEEAP, which was presented by Dr. Agrupis with support from PASUC, COCOPEA, and ALCU.

by Ayumi San Cai Valerio
Photo Courtesy of Juanito C. Leabres, Jr.

Source: CHED Regional Office III-Official Facebook Page, Commission on Higher Education(CHED)-Official Facebook Page, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis-Official Facebook Page