Commission on Higher Education(CHED)

STATEMENT OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION ON THE ISSUANCE OF A SHOW CAUSE ORDER TO ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY

Following the tragic drowning of two student-athletes during a school-sanctioned team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, 2026, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) to Ateneo de Manila University.

On June 9, the Commission, through its National Capital Region (NCR) Office, directed Ateneo de Manila University to submit an incident report, a certificate of compliance with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63 (s. 2017), and the documents required under Article V of CMO No. 6 (s. 2026).

Given the seriousness of the incident and the Commission’s responsibility to ascertain the facts and determine compliance with applicable regulations, CHED made repeated requests for the submission of these documents. Despite follow-ups by CHED-NCR, the University failed to provide the required records and information.

As a result, and in the exercise of its regulatory authority, the Commission issued an SCO on June 16. CHED cannot allow matters involving the loss of student lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed. Higher education institutions are expected to cooperate fully with regulatory processes, particularly in incidents involving student safety and welfare.

Pursuant to applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations, the SCO mandates Ateneo de Manila University to submit a written explanation under oath within ten (10) days from receipt of the Order. The University must state why the Commission should not impose appropriate sanctions for alleged violations of the following:
CMO No. 63 (s. 2017), on the conduct of off-campus activities;
CMO No. 6 (s. 2026), in relation to Republic Act No. 11053 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR); and
Its alleged failure to exercise reasonable supervision over its students in loco parentis.

CHED remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting student welfare and upholding standards across the higher education sector. Institutions entrusted with the care of students must comply with all laws, regulations, and safety requirements, especially in the conduct of off-campus activities.

The Commission likewise urges the public to rely only on official statements and verified information while the proper administrative processes are underway.

Issued this 23rd day of June 2026 at the Higher Education Development Center Building, U.P. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City.

SGD.
SHIRLEY C. AGRUPIS, PhD
Chairperson
Commission on Higher Education

Call for Applications!

The Commission, in partnership with Bulacan State University, is pleased to announce that the application period for the program “Executive Program on Artificial Intelligence for SUCs and LUCs” has been extended until 14 August 2026.

The program is a 10-day intensive face to face training on advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, specifically tailored for higher education faculty. It is designed to upskill participants in cutting-edge AI techniques and IoT technologies, enabling them to conduct advanced research, develop innovative instructional materials, and lead projects in their institution. Course participants will engage in a mix of interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, group activities, and project-based learning.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications through the following links:
Application Templates to download: bit.ly/2026HUSAYApplication
Uploading Form: bit.ly/BulSU_UploadingForm

For more information, the link for the Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson may be accessed here: cms-cdn.e.gov.ph/CHED/pdf/2026-MOC-95_Call-for-Applications-for-Executive-Program-on-AI-for-SUCs-and-LUCs-offered-by-BulSU.pdf

For inquiries, you may send us an email at [email protected].

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 📣

The Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD) Grant is now accepting applications for the First Semester of AY 2026-2027! For full details on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and other program guidelines, interested applicants may visit the AHEAD Application Portal at ahead.ched.gov.ph/

🗓️ Deadline: July 07, 2026

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

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

The Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program is now accepting applications for interested incoming and ongoing Doctor of Medicine students for the 1st Semester of Academic Year 2026–2027.

The MSRS Program provides support to deserving Filipino students pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree in partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), in exchange for return service in underserved communities after graduation.

✅ Who may apply?
• Filipino citizens and not more than 51 years old at the time of application
• Graduating or a graduate of an appropriate undergraduate program identified as a prerequisite for a Doctor of Medicine degree, from any HEI duly recognized by CHED, including a direct entrant to the Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) Program who satisfactorily completes the first two (2) years of the Program
• Students enrolled or admitted in an MSRS partner HEI
• Applicants who obtained a National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score mandated by CHED and required by the partner HEIs where the student intends to enroll in.

✅ Scholarship Benefits:
• Tuition and other school fees
• Subsidies and allowances
• One-time board review/licensure fees
• Medical and Accidental insurances

✅ Deadline of Submission: July 13, 2026

Apply through the MSRS Application Portal: bit.ly/MSRS-Apply

For complete guidelines and list of partner HEIs, visit the official CHED website at ched.gov.ph/stufaps

Take the first step toward becoming a doctor for the Filipino people. Apply now and be part of the next generation of medical professionals committed to public service!

On World Refugee Day 2026, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) stands with the global community in upholding the values of compassion, inclusion, and shared humanity. As we mark the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, we are reminded that education is not a privilege, but a lifeline.

For displaced individuals seeking to rebuild their lives, access to quality tertiary education becomes a pathway to resilience, renewed purpose, and a future defined by possibility.

The Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring no learner is left behind, regardless of where their journey began.

The Philippines has long struggled with a severe shortage of medical practitioners—falling short of the international minimum standard of 10 per 10,000 recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to expand the country’s medical and nursing education programs to increase the number of healthcare professionals, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has approved the applications of five State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to operate the first and second-year levels of their respective Doctor of Medicine programs, effective Academic Year (AY) 2026-2027: Visayas State University (VSU) – Region VIII; Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) – Region VIII; University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) – Region VIII; Benguet State University (BSU) – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); and Cotabato State University - Cotabato Regional Medical Center School of Medicine (CCSU-CRMC) – Region XII.

READ MORE: https://ched.gov.ph/press-releases/723

CHED Expedites Student Financial Assistance Amid Region XII Recovery Efforts

In the wake of the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) joins the nation in expressing solidarity with Mindanao, particularly General Santos City and the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur, and echoes the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for a whole-of-nation action to help the affected communities.

On June 13, CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis traveled to Region XII to ensure the release of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) assistance= to 808 beneficiaries in General Santos City, Tacurong City, Koronadal City, and the municipality of Polomolok, with simultaneous distribution to 501 beneficiaries in other parts of the region.

CHED and UniFAST will continue the release of ₱764 Million TES grants to 66,655 beneficiaries in Region XII covering the second semester of A.Y. 2025–2026. This follows the distribution of ₱2.02 Billion TES and Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) grants in April and May 2026, covering semesters even prior to the current CHED administration.

Since assuming office in June 2025, Chairperson Agrupis has intensified efforts to address backlogs in the release of grants and financial assistance to beneficiaries. CHED has initiated reforms to accelerate the implementation of the UAQTE Law, including a partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines to streamline subsidy distribution. CHED and UniFAST have also amended the TES and TDP guidelines to improve efficiency and ensure the timely delivery of assistance.

As we continue to carry out the President’s directive to expand and accelerate grants-in-aid programs for tertiary students, the Commission remains committed to providing meaningful support to our higher education learners promptly, especially during this time of recovery.

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.

Application is Extended!

We are pleased to inform you that the application period for the program titled “Diploma in Teaching” offered by West Visayas State University (WVSU) is EXTENDED until 15 July 2026.

Submit your applications through the following links:
● Application Templates to download: bit.ly/2026HUSAYApplication
● Uploading Form: bit.ly/WVSU_UploadingForm

For more information, the link for the Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson may be accessed here: cms-cdn.e.gov.ph/CHED/pdf/2026-MOC-48_Call%20for%20Applications%20for%20Diploma%20in%20Teaching%20offered%20by%20WVSU.pdf

For inquiries, you may send us an email at [email protected].

READ: 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝟳.𝟴 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲

𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗦 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗘 𝟭𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 - 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗖. 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝘂𝗽𝗶𝘀 conducted an ocular inspection at 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆–𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲, to personally evaluate reported damages and determine the assistance needed to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

During the engagements, the Chairperson emphasized the importance of preparedness, resilience, and collaboration among educational institutions and government agencies in responding to emergencies. She likewise underscored CHED's commitment to working closely with HEIs and stakeholders to ensure the continuity of quality education while prioritizing the safety of academic communities.

Through the leadership of 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝘂𝗽𝗶𝘀 and the collective efforts of 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗𝗥𝗢 𝗫𝗜𝗜 and its 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, CHED continues to strengthen its response mechanisms and uphold its mandate of providing accessible, quality, and resilient higher education, especially during times of crisis.