Product Offerings
Products:
Regulatory Policies: Higher education standards, HEI recognition
Financial Assistance Programs: UniFAST, StuFAPs, B2HELP
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is the principal regulatory and policymaking body for higher education in the Philippines. Established through Republic Act No. 7722, also known as the Higher Education Act of 1994, CHED is mandated to promote relevant and quality higher education, ensure accessibility, and provide guidance in the development of Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs). It operates as an attached agency to the Office of the President and exercises supervision over both public and private colleges and universities across the country.
Mandate and Core Responsibilities
CHED's core functions include:
- Formulating and implementing policies, plans, and programs for the development of higher education
- Setting minimum standards for programs and institutions of higher learning
- Monitoring and evaluating the performance of HEIs
- Administering scholarship, grants-in-aid, and loan programs
- Promoting international linkages and transnational education
Through these mandates, CHED plays a pivotal role in aligning the Philippine higher education sector with global standards and national development priorities.
Strategic Programs and Initiatives
CHED implements a wide range of programs that support students, faculty, and HEIs:
- Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST): Administers the Free Higher Education Act (RA 10931) which provides tuition-free education in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs).
- Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs): Offers scholarships and grants based on merit and financial need.
- CHED Centers of Excellence (COE) and Centers of Development (COD): Recognizes HEIs that demonstrate excellence in instruction, research, and extension services.
- Internationalization and Transnational Education (TNE): Facilitates student mobility and partnerships with foreign institutions.
As of 2023, CHED oversees over 2,000 higher education institutions, including 112 SUCs and 1,900 private colleges and universities.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
As of the latest update, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis serves as the CHED Chairperson. The Commission is composed of five full-time Commissioners appointed by the President and supported by regional offices across the Philippines to ensure efficient service delivery.
Policy Impact and Budget
CHED plays a critical role in national development through education policy. In 2023, the Commission managed a budget of approximately ₱31 billion, primarily allocated to:
- Free Higher Education Program (₱20 billion+)
- Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
- Technical assistance and capacity-building for HEIs
- Infrastructure and learning resources enhancement
These investments directly impact over 1.6 million tertiary students in public HEIs.
Regulatory Framework and Standards
CHED sets minimum program standards (CMOs) across disciplines such as engineering, medicine, law, IT, and education. It conducts institutional evaluations and accreditations to ensure compliance with academic and administrative benchmarks. The Commission collaborates with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) and ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) for global alignment.
Digitalization and Education 4.0
CHED is actively promoting Education 4.0 by enhancing digital learning infrastructure, expanding distance education modalities, and supporting the development of flexible learning pathways. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CHED was instrumental in guiding HEIs in the shift to online and hybrid learning systems.
Public Engagement and Outreach
CHED maintains active engagement with stakeholders through:
- Regular public consultations and advisory issuances
- Collaboration with student organizations and faculty federations
- Participation in national education summits and international forums
- Outreach programs for marginalized and indigenous students
Its official Facebook page and regional offices serve as primary communication channels for public advisories and program announcements.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, CHED aims to:
- Strengthen HEI resilience and innovation through research and global collaboration
- Enhance industry-academe linkages for employability and entrepreneurship
- Promote inclusive education, especially for underserved communities
- Institutionalize micro-credentials and stackable learning modules
With its comprehensive governance and strategic foresight, CHED remains central to the Philippines' efforts to produce globally competitive, socially responsible, and technically proficient graduates.