CHED RO V

LOOK: The Commission on Higher Education in Bicol (CHED-5) has reminded higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region to strictly comply with safety policies governing off-campus activities, emphasizing that students' welfare and well-being must remain the top priority.

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Safety must remain top priority in off-campus events: CHED Bicol LEGAZPI CITY – The Commission on Higher Education in Bicol (CHED-5) has reminded higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region to strictly comply with safety policies governing off-campus activities, emphasizing that students' welfare and well-being must remain the top priority. CHED-5…

READ: To ensure the safety and resilience of learning environments in the Bicol region, the Commission on Higher Education(CHED) Regional Office V has issued a new memorandum mandating the integration of Fire and Earthquake Preparedness Orientation and Emergency Drills into student orientation programs at the start of every academic year.

This initiative aligns with national safety laws to ensure that our campuses are well-prepared for any disaster.

Under this directive, all higher education institutions must orient students on critical safety measures, including institutional emergency protocols, evacuation routes, and the proper use of firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers.

The institution-wide drills must be conducted within the first two weeks of the opening of classes, followed by classroom-based simulations to ensure that every student knows exactly how to perform life-saving procedures like "Duck, Cover, and Hold".

HEIs are directed to coordinate with local agencies, such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (Bureau of Fire Protection Bicol Region) and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, to monitor and evaluate these activities.

FEW WEEKS TO GO BEFORE THE DEADLINE! 📣

Nakapag-apply ka na ba? Alamin ang iba pang detalye tungkol sa Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program!

Bisitahin ang BPMSP Application Portal: bpms.ched.gov.ph.

Para sa listahan ng eligible Delivering Higher Education Institutions (DHEIs) at priority programs, bisitahin: bpms.ched.gov.ph/priority-lists

🗓️ Deadline for application is on June 30, 2026

⚠ Beware of fake scholarship posts! Verify info through official CHED social media accounts and website only.

The Commission on Higher Education – Regional Office V extends its warmest congratulations to the University of Camarines Norte (UCN) on the approval of its conversion to university status by the Commission en Banc, as confirmed through CEB Resolution No. 309-2026 dated 25 May 2026, in compliance with the requirements prescribed under its enabling law, Republic Act No. 11399.

This significant milestone reflects UCN's steadfast commitment to academic excellence, institutional quality, and its dedication to providing accessible and transformative higher education.

May this achievement inspire continued innovation and excellence as UCN advances its mission of developing competent professionals and contributing meaningfully to regional and national development. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

CHED BICOL REMINDS HEIs: STUDENT SAFETY MUST REMAIN PARAMOUNT IN ALL OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Legazpi City, Albay — The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office V (CHED Bicol) has issued a memorandum reiterating the salient provisions of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63, Series of 2017, and directing all public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region to strictly comply with policies governing local off-campus activities.

The memorandum, signed by Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr., CESO III, underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, welfare, and well-being of students participating in educational tours, field exposures, immersion activities, community engagements, sports competitions, cultural activities, extension programs, and other off-campus undertakings.

“Experiential learning remains an important component of quality higher education. However, meaningful learning experiences must always be accompanied by appropriate safeguards to protect our students,” Director Anduyan said.

The memorandum reminds HEIs that student safety and welfare must be the primary consideration in the planning, approval, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all off-campus activities. Institutions are likewise directed to conduct comprehensive risk assessments, establish emergency response and contingency measures, ensure adequate supervision, and comply with all applicable safety requirements.

CHED Bicol also emphasized the importance of adopting a culture of risk-based thinking in institutional decision-making.

“Potential hazards and risks must be identified, assessed, and addressed before activities are conducted. Safety should never be treated as an afterthought. It must be integrated into every stage of planning and implementation,” Director Anduyan added.

The issuance comes amid the increasing recognition of the need to strengthen safety protocols and institutional preparedness in educational activities conducted outside school premises. Through the memorandum, CHED Bicol seeks to reinforce accountability among higher education institutions while ensuring that students continue to benefit from experiential learning opportunities in a safe and secure environment.

The Commission emphasized that while educational tours, immersions, fieldwork, outreach activities, and similar programs provide valuable learning experiences, these should never come at the expense of student safety.

“The protection of life, health, security, welfare, and well-being of students shall remain the paramount consideration in every institutional undertaking, and most especially in activities conducted outside the premises of the Higher Education Institution,” the memorandum states.

CHED Bicol calls on all HEI leaders, administrators, faculty members, and student affairs practitioners to strengthen compliance with existing policies and ensure that every student activity is educationally meaningful, properly supervised, and supported by appropriate risk mitigation measures.

As institutions entrusted with developing the nation’s future leaders, HEIs play a critical role in fostering a culture of safety, accountability, preparedness, and responsible decision-making.

Through strict adherence to CMO No. 63, Series of 2017, CHED Bicol aims to promote learning experiences that are not only enriching and transformative but also safe and secure for every learner.

CHED BICOL ORDERS HEIs TO MAKE FIRE AND EARTHQUAKE DRILLS AN INTEGRAL PART OF STUDENT ORIENTATION

Legazpi City, Albay — In a proactive move to strengthen disaster preparedness and campus safety, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office V (CHED Bicol) has directed all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region to integrate Fire and Earthquake Preparedness Orientation and Emergency Drills into their student orientation programs at the start of every academic year.

The directive, contained in a Regional Memorandum issued by Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr., CESO III, underscores the importance of cultivating a culture of preparedness among students from their very first days on campus.

Under the memorandum, all HEIs are required to orient students on institutional emergency response protocols, designated evacuation routes and assembly areas, campus contingency plans, the location and proper use of fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment, earthquake safety procedures, and emergency communication systems.

“Preparedness begins with awareness. Students must know where to go, what to do, and how to respond during emergencies. Safety should not be an afterthought but an integral part of the educational experience,” Director Anduyan emphasized.

To reinforce learning and readiness, institutions are likewise directed to conduct institution-wide fire and earthquake drills within the first two weeks of classes. These drills are expected to be undertaken in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs), Provincial, City, or Municipal DRRMOs, and/or the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), whenever practicable.

The memorandum further requires that the general orientation and institution-wide drills be followed by classroom-based emergency drills and simulations, ensuring that preparedness measures are continuously reinforced at the classroom level throughout the academic year.

The initiative reflects CHED Bicol’s commitment to safeguarding learners and fostering resilient academic communities amid increasing risks posed by natural and human-induced hazards. Situated within one of the country’s most disaster-prone regions, Bicol’s higher education institutions play a vital role in ensuring that students are equipped not only with knowledge and skills but also with the preparedness necessary to protect lives during emergencies.

The policy also aligns with CHED Bicol’s broader agenda of holistic learner development and the promotion of safe, inclusive, and resilient learning environments.

As the new academic year approaches, CHED Bicol calls on all HEIs to strengthen their emergency preparedness programs and ensure that every student becomes familiar with campus safety protocols from day one.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Loyaltee Awardees of CHED Regional Office 5 recognized during the Culminating Activity of the 32nd Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 5, June 10, 2026, Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City, Manila:

1. Ms. Marilou B. Llorando, Education Program Specialist II- 30 years of service

2. Ms. Cyril V. Badiola, Education Program Specialist II- 25 years of service

3. Dr. Jean Salalima-Go, Education Supervisor II- 20 years of service

4. Dr. Jean E. Cardino, Chief Administrative Officer- 10 years of service

5. Dr. Michael B. Bibon, Education Supervisor II - 10 years in government service

May you continue to work with integrity, dedication and commitment as you internalize the dictum that "Public Office is a Public Trust".

HAPPENING NOW: Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, Ph.D., CHED Chairperson, delivers the State of the Higher Education Address, re: "ACHIEVE-ing Knowledge Economy for a Future-Ready Bagong Pilipinas", PICC Complex, Pasay City.

Graced by Sen. Loren Legarda, the occasion is in line with the 32nd CHED Anniversary Strategic Partnership Convergence, attended by officials and staff of CHED Central and Regional Offices, Presidents/Heads and officials of Public and Private Higher Education Institutions, diplomats and representatives of government agencies in the country.

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