The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), through the International Affairs Service (IAS), successfully conducted the 2025 Planning and Orientation Workshop for Internationalization (IZN) Focals and Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) Coordinators from February 3-6, 2025, at Twin Lakes Hotel, Tagaytay.

The workshop gathered Regional IZN Focal Persons, Regional TNHE Officers, CHED IAS representatives, and members of the National Review Committee on CHED-funded Internationalization Programs (CHED-INRC) to align regional efforts with the CHED Strategic Plan 2024-2028, of which internationalization is a key pillar.

The primary objectives of the event included orienting CHED IZN Regional Focal Persons and TNHE Regional Officers on the IAS Output Indicators and drafting the 2025 Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) for CHED Regional Offices focused on TNHE information sessions and capacity-building initiatives.

Representing the Caraga Regional Office, Project Technical Staff III – Transnational Higher Education Officer, Ms. Kershey Reign E. Dueñas, and Regional Internationalization Focal Person, Mr. Amy Saavedra, participated in the planning sessions and drafted proposed activities for FY 2025 aligned with the key performance indicators for internationalization in the CHED Strategic Plan. Ms. Dueñas subsequently presented the region’s draft proposal to the panel for evaluation.

A key highlight was the critique and refinement of all regional TNHE PAPs facilitated by CHED IAS, led by Director IV Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, and CHED-INRC experts, Dr. Myrna Mallari and Dr. Allan Cajes, ensuring alignment with national and global educational standards. Additionally, CHED IAS presented its proposed calendar of activities for FY 2025, setting the stage for a collaborative approach to strengthening internationalization efforts across the country.

Moving forward, the draft proposed PAPs and Work and Financial Plan will be presented to the Regional Director, Dr. Nelia A. Alibin, for review and recommendation to CHED IAS for approval.