CHED Chairman De Vera paid a visit to the Caraga Region for the first time ever as Chairman through a series of engagements around Siargao Island from August 18 to 21, 2022. 

Upon his arrival on the 18th of August, he made an appearance at the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) cum Consultative Meeting with Surigao Del Norte HEI Presidents and Key Officials to give an inspirational message and respond to questions from the participants. The orientation was held at Siargao Island Institute of Technology (SIIT).

The next day, Chairman De Vera attended as Guest of Honor during the Investiture of Atty. Francisco “Lalo” Matugas as the new President of Siargao Island Institute of Technology. Chairman De Vera gave the Confirmation of Appointment, as well as a special message during the ceremony. CHED Caraga Regional Director Dr. George M. Colorado formally introduced Chairman De Vera prior to his speech. CHEDRO key officials and personnel were also in attendance at the ceremony.

The visit was also an opportunity to experience the unmatched beauty, hospitality, and food of Siargao Island during his first visit to the Caraga Region. With his wife Mrs. Charito De Vera joining him, he toured the Guyam, Daku, and Naked Islands, and later on, Sugba Lagoon.

HEI officials and personnel accompanying the chairman were Mr. Aldous Buo of Siargao Island Institute of Technology, and Mr. Elwin Argana and Campus Director Dr. Romy Jun Sunico of Surigao del Norte State University – Del Carmen Campus (SNSU Del Carmen).

Chairman De Vera also visited the Surigao del Norte State University – Del Carmen Campus on August 20 for a campus tour and courtesy visit with the Municipal Mayor of Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II, Campus Director Dr. Romy Jun Sunico, and key officials and personnel of SNSU Del Carmen. This was followed by a dinner and gathering with Congressman Francisco Jose Matugas II at the President’s Cottage, General Luna, Siargao. In attendance were key officials of the municipal government, staff of the congressional office, and personnel of Siargao Island Institute of Technology.

CHED Caraga looks forward to many more visits from the CHED Chairman. Truly, our beautiful and diverse region has so much to offer!