Davao de Oro State College SUC President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay, together with the top brass of State Universities and Colleges from Davao Region and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) XI Regional Director Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, CESO III, attended the “Converge to ACHIEVE: The Higher Education Summit” on September 15, 2025, at the historic Manila Hotel, Ermita, Manila.

The summit, organized by the CHED, marked the first 100 days in office of Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and highlighted the unveiling of the ACHIEVE Agenda, a reform roadmap designed to strengthen access, quality, and innovation in Philippine higher education.

A key feature of the event was the Commitment Signing Ceremony on the “Wall of Convergence,” where agencies, SUC Presidents, and academic leaders pledged their support to CHED’s 7-point ACHIEVE Agenda.

Dr. Matunhay was among the signatories, affirming DDOSC’s commitment to advancing the goals of the ACHIEVE framework.

Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning
Centralized Human Capital Development
Harmonized SDG-Based Research and Innovation
Integrated Real-Time Data and Analytics
Expanded Internationalization Strategies
Vitalized Policies and Governance
Effective and Efficient Public Service

Chair Agrupis emphasized that the ACHIEVE framework is not just a policy blueprint but a call for action to ensure higher education directly addresses industry demands, job mismatches, and equitable access for Filipino learners. “Change does not come from intention alone. It demands bold action, relentless discipline, and accountability,” she asserted.

The summit also formalized strategic partnerships between CHED and national agencies such as TESDA, DOLE, DMW, CHR, and industry partner Unilab Education, aligning higher education reforms with workforce development, migrant workers’ career pathways, and human rights education.

By participating in this milestone event, DDOSC reaffirmed its commitment to CHED’s mission of promoting lifelong learning, strengthening communities, and advancing equitable access to quality higher education, in the shared pursuit toward building a Bagong Pilipinas through education.

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