The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in the Philippines. Established in 1994 through Republic Act No. 7722, also known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” CHED is an independent and distinct body tasked with overseeing and regulating tertiary education in the country.
In this blog, we’ll delve into CHED’s functions, its importance in promoting quality education, and its impact on students, educators, and the nation’s development as a whole.
What is CHED?
CHED, or the Commission on Higher Education, is the government agency responsible for the strategic direction and supervision of higher education in the Philippines. It governs all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) and ensures they adhere to quality standards.
The creation of CHED was part of the trifocal education system in the country, which divided education governance into three levels:
- Department of Education (DepEd) for basic education,
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for technical-vocational education and training, and
- CHED for higher education, which includes undergraduate and graduate studies.
The Role and Functions of CHED
CHED’s mandate encompasses several critical areas aimed at improving and maintaining the quality of higher education in the Philippines. Some of its key roles and functions include:
- Policy Formulation and Implementation
CHED is tasked with formulating educational policies and standards for higher education institutions. These policies are designed to maintain academic excellence, promote accessibility, and ensure that education is relevant to national development goals. - Accreditation and Regulation
CHED is responsible for accrediting HEIs and their academic programs. Through accreditation, CHED ensures that institutions meet the necessary quality standards. It also regulates the establishment of new colleges and universities, monitors their performance, and enforces compliance with national and international standards. - Quality Assurance
One of CHED’s primary functions is ensuring that the quality of education provided by HEIs meets the expected standards. Through monitoring, evaluations, and assessments. CHED works to guarantee that programs offered are relevant, effective, and aligned with global trends in education. - Scholarships and Financial Assistance
CHED administers various scholarship and financial assistance programs to deserving students, making higher education more accessible to individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds. These programs are designed to support students who demonstrate academic potential but may lack the financial means to pursue higher education. - Promoting Research and Innovation
CHED plays a crucial role in encouraging research and innovation in HEIs. It provides funding and grants for academic research, fostering a culture of inquiry and development that contributes to national and global knowledge. Through initiatives like the CHED Research Grant. The commission supports research projects that address national issues, promote economic development, and advance technology. - Internationalization
In an increasingly globalized world, CHED promotes internationalization by facilitating collaboration between Philippine HEIs and their foreign counterparts. This includes student and faculty exchange programs, partnerships with international institutions, and the integration of global best practices in the Philippine education system.
Importance of CHED in Philippine Education
CHED plays a critical role in ensuring that the country’s higher education system remains competitive, responsive, and inclusive. Its efforts extend beyond merely regulating institutions. CHED also actively works toward transforming the higher education sector to meet the evolving demands of society and the economy.
- Upholding Academic Standards
By setting and enforcing academic standards, CHED ensures that HEIs deliver quality education to students. The commission’s efforts help produce graduates who are not only competent but also ready to meet the challenges of their chosen fields, both locally and internationally. - Accessibility and Equity
CHED is committed to making higher education accessible to all, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through its scholarship and grant programs, CHED empowers thousands of students each year to pursue higher education. Helping to close the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged. - Bridging the Skills Gap
One of CHED’s key focuses is ensuring that higher education aligns with the needs of the labor market. By promoting relevant academic programs and fostering partnerships with industries. CHED helps bridge the skills gap, ensuring that graduates possess the skills and knowledge needed for employment. - Supporting Lifelong Learning
CHED recognizes that learning doesn’t stop after graduation. The commission supports programs and initiatives that promote lifelong learning, enabling individuals to continually upgrade their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. - Global Competitiveness
Through its internationalization efforts, CHED ensures that Philippine higher education remains globally competitive. The commission works to enhance the reputation of Philippine HEIs by encouraging collaboration with foreign institutions, integrating international standards into local curricula, and promoting student mobility.
Major Initiatives and Programs by CHED
Over the years, CHED has launched several initiatives and programs that have had a profound impact on higher education in the Philippines:
- Free Higher Education Program
Through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), CHED administers the Free Higher Education program. This landmark program provides free tuition and other school fees for students in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs), benefiting thousands of students annually. - Tulong Dunong Program
This is a government financial assistance program aimed at providing education subsidies to students in need. It offers financial grants to qualified students enrolled in private and public institutions, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their education. - K-12 Transition Program
CHED played a pivotal role in the implementation of the K-12 program, which added two years of senior high school education to the Philippine education system. The commission’s K-12 Transition Program supports HEIs and faculty in adjusting to the curriculum changes brought by the K-12 program. - Institutional Development and Innovation Grants (IDIG)
This program provides financial assistance to HEIs for improving institutional capacities, developing innovative programs, and enhancing research capabilities. It aims to strengthen HEIs and their contribution to national development.
The Future of Higher Education with CHED
As the global educational landscape continues to evolve, CHED remains focused on innovation, quality, and inclusivity in Philippine higher education. With the rise of digital education and the increasing demand for skills that meet the needs of a rapidly changing workforce, CHED’s role is more critical than ever. By promoting innovative teaching methods, fostering partnerships, and encouraging the use of technology. CHED is helping to shape a future-ready education system in the Philippines.
Conclusion
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) plays an essential role in the Philippines’ pursuit of educational excellence. Through its policies, programs, and partnerships, CHED ensures that the country’s higher education system remains competitive, accessible, and aligned with both national and global trends. As education continues to evolve, CHED’s commitment to fostering quality and innovation will remain a cornerstone of Philippine development.
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