Yesterday, May 15, 2024, Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, the President of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), participated in the celebration of the 30th Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the National Higher Education Day Summit (NHEDS) 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Receptional Hall in Pasay City, with the theme “USAP, ULAT, UGNAY: Access, Quality, and Competitiveness at the Core of Higher Education Reforms.” This summit commemorated the 30th anniversary of CHED, established by Republic Act No. 7722, the “Higher Education Act of 1994.”

 

During the event, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the President of the Republic of the Philippines, delivered a message advocating for equitable access to higher education, emphasizing inclusivity in the nation’s education landscape. “Hand in hand, we can return the rights and ensure equitable access to higher education no matter who you are or where you come from,” emphasized President Marcos Jr., highlighting the imperative of inclusivity.

 

Among the distinguished attendees were Cong. Marquez O. Go, Chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III, UP President Angelo Jimenez, CHED Commissioners, college and university presidents, and other officials from various public and private higher education institutions.

 

Additionally, a round table discussion was also attended by President Capistrano with international partners like Professor Lo Sing Kai, Associate Vice President of the Education University of Hong Kong (EduHK), highlighting the global importance of the event.

 

The summit served as a platform for institutions and stakeholders to strengthen the existing partnerships and to come together to improve the state of higher education in the Philippines.