The Commission on Higher Education (CHED): Empowering Filipino Education

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is a government agency in the Philippines tasked with the vital role of overseeing the country’s higher education system. Established under Republic Act 7722, also known as the Higher Education Act of 1994, CHED's mission is to ensure that higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country deliver quality education, relevant to both national and global standards..

Key Roles of CHED

CHED’s responsibilities span across several important areas:

1. Regulation and Supervision of HEIs
   CHED regulates public and private universities and colleges to ensure they meet the minimum standards of education. This involves accrediting academic programs, ensuring faculty qualifications, and monitoring the compliance of institutions with the national education policies.

2. Scholarships and Financial Aid Programs
   CHED offers scholarships and financial assistance to students through programs like the CHED Scholarship Program (CSP) and the Tulong Dunong Program. These initiatives provide thousands of deserving students with the financial support they need to complete their education.

   According to CHED Chairperson Prospero de Vera III, “One of our priorities is to make higher education accessible to as many Filipinos as possible. Through our scholarships, we help bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.”

3. Policy Formulation and Implementation
   CHED formulates policies and development plans for higher education in line with the country's socioeconomic needs. These policies address various issues, including curriculum standards, quality assurance, and research initiatives.

4. Promotion of Internationalization
   CHED also advocates for the internationalization of higher education by encouraging collaborations between Philippine universities and foreign institutions. This initiative aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Filipino graduates.

CHED's Focus on Priority Programs

One of CHED’s key goals is to promote priority fields of study that align with the country’s needs. These fields often include Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Health Sciences, and Education. By encouraging students to pursue these courses, CHED hopes to equip the Philippines with a workforce that is prepared to face global challenges.

Lifelong Learning and Research Support

CHED is not just focused on undergraduate education. It also supports postgraduate programs and research initiatives, encouraging HEIs to produce cutting-edge research that can contribute to national development. Through research grants and partnerships, CHED helps build a culture of innovation in higher education.

Moving Forward: CHED's Role in National Development

With its multifaceted approach to regulating, improving, and supporting the higher education sector, CHED plays a critical role in shaping the future of Filipino education. The commission continuously works to ensure that the country's HEIs remain responsive to societal needs and globally competitive. As the nation moves forward, CHED remains committed to ensuring that quality higher education is accessible to all Filipinos, driving both personal growth and national progress.