Cavite State University joined other state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the country in the inaugural National Higher Education Day (NHED) Summit, May 15, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
With the theme “USAP, ULAT, UGNAY: Access, Quality, and Competitiveness at the Core of Higher Education Reforms,” this summit is held in observance of the 30th anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the fourth NHED pursuant to Republic Act No. 11522 or “An Act Declaring May 18 of Every Year as the National Higher Education Day.”
In his special message during the 2024 NHED Summit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged higher education institutions and stakeholders to work together and strengthen efforts “towards an inclusive, equitable, accessible, and sustainable higher education sector” – molding a new generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers, and visionaries who can survive and thrive in a fast changing and highly competitive world.
“The battle to win the future is waged in today’s schools, where we should arm our young men and women with the right skills to not only survive, but to thrive in a rapidly changing world that does not wait for anyone,” President Marcos said.
“And that is why improving higher education—and making it responsive to the present and future needs of society—is front and center of this administration’s national development agenda. The success of many of our plans for the country depends heavily on the availability of a strong, resilient, and skilled human resource to drive the nation forward,” he added.
The President also reiterated the administration’s commitment to continue providing free tertiary education in state and local universities and colleges for qualified students as provided under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
Meanwhile, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III delivered The State of Higher Education in the Philippines, presenting the Commission’s strategic plans and direction and the agency’s milestones over the past 30 years.
The summit gathered presidents and officers-in-charge of SUCs in a bid to strengthen partnerships in addressing issues and concerns of the country’s education system. The event also featured plenary talks, panel discussions, art exhibit, cultural show, and gala night.
The HEI leaders also convened for the CHED Quality Assurance Conference: Higher Education Leaders’ Conclave on May 13 at the Grand Plaza Ballroom, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Held in collaboration with the United States Agency for Institutional Development through the US-PHL Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Project, the event aimed at fostering “collaborative environment for sharing of best practices, discussion on emerging trends, policy development, and strengthening QA mechanisms with HEIs.”
