CHED-7 Director Shares Insights on Higher Education Development During UB Visit
Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, OIC-Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VII, visited the University of Bohol (UB) on July 30, 2026, to meet with university officials and discuss key concerns, opportunities, and emerging developments in higher education.
The visit provided an avenue for meaningful discussions on the University’s strategic priorities and its continuing efforts to strengthen institutional quality, faculty development, innovation, competitiveness, and social responsibility.
From left to right – Ms. Rosario Tacogdoy, Education Supervisor; Dr. Johnny J. Yao Jr., Supervising Education Program Specialist; Atty. Marlumina B. Teh, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CHED OIC-Regional Director; Ms. Ria Eva M. Sevilla, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Lemuel O. Belarmino, SPS Dean; Ms. Precious Joy D. Baguio, Manager of the International Affairs, External Linkages and Internationalization (IAELI); and Engr. Neche A. Arcaya, Executive Secretary.
Among the matters discussed was faculty qualification and compliance, particularly the pursuit of master’s degrees and opportunities for employee professional development through programs such as the SIKAP Scholarship Program. The discussion also explored the University’s potential role as a Higher Education Institution (HEI) implementor or partner institution in the delivery of relevant higher education initiatives.
The meeting likewise tackled scholarship-related opportunities and responsibilities, including the return service requirement under the proposed Senator Sotto Scholarship Program, as well as the University’s potential to qualify for deregulated status.
Another key area of discussion was the University’s pursuit of greater national and international recognition, particularly through participation in global university rankings such as the Times Higher Education (THE) and the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). Emphasis was also given to the development of community impact projects that demonstrate the University’s contribution to local communities and society.
The discussions further recognized the emerging challenges in the higher education sector, particularly the growing number of Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), which continue to reshape the competitive landscape of Philippine higher education.
Overall, the concerns raised during the meeting underscored the importance of sustaining institutional excellence while responding proactively to the changing higher education environment. The discussions highlighted the need for continuous faculty development, innovation, global engagement, community impact, and strategic institutional planning to ensure the University of Bohol remains competitive, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of learners and society.
Director Dayagbil was accompanied by Dr. Johnny J. Yao Jr., Supervising ducation Program Specialist, and Ms. Rosario Tacogdoy, Education Supervisor.
The CHED personnel were welcomed by Atty. Marlumina B. Teh, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Ms. Ria Eva M. Sevilla, Vice President for Administration.
Also present during the meeting were Dr. Lemuel O. Belarmino, Dean of Student Personnel Services (SPS); Engr. Neche C. Arcaya, Executive Secretary to the President; and Ms. Precious Joy D. Baguio, Manager of the International Affairs, External Linkages and Internationalization (IAELI).- Leo Armando Boncales