The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) was abuzz as it hosted the 1st National Higher Education Day Summit on May 15, 2024, with the theme “USAP, ULAT, UGNAY: Access, Quality, and Competitiveness at the Core of Higher Education Reforms.”
The event’s guest of honor, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the full implementation and unwavering support for free higher education. “Education should never be viewed as mere expenditure; it is the most valuable investment we can make for our future,” President Marcos declared, drawing resounding applause from the audience. As a testament to his commitment, the access to free higher education boasts a total funding of Php134B.
In his address, President Marcos lauded the efforts of educators and administrators in navigating the challenges of the educational landscape. He urged stakeholders to continue their dedication to nurturing the nation’s youth, emphasizing that investing in education is essential for sustainable progress and innovation.
President Marcos highlighted the pivotal role of education in national development and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Filipino youth has access to higher education without the burden of financial constraints. As such, he shared that for this year.
The summit was also attended by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III, along with other CHED commissioners, CHED Regional Directors, presidents of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) including OIC President Jesusa D. Ortuoste, PhD of Sultan Kudarat State University, and various dignitaries.
In his report to the President, Chairperson De Vera highlighted the milestones of the Commission for the past 30 years, its ongoing initiatives, and the strategic plans and direction for the years ahead.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from all attendees to work collaboratively towards a more inclusive and progressive educational system. The discussions and resolutions from the summit are expected to shape policies and programs that will benefit millions of Filipino students in the years to come.
As the event came to a close, the collective resolve to transform education into a cornerstone of national development was palpable, setting a hopeful tone for the future of Philippine higher education.
