The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in collaboration with key government and financial institutions, successfully conducted the Nationwide Year-End Assessment and Evaluation of the Accomplishment of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Program from January 27 to 31, 2025, at Lafayette Luxury Suites, Baguio City.

The event gathered CHEDRO ACEF Program Focal Persons and Staff, representatives from Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Department of Agriculture to review the program’s 2024 achievements and address implementation challenges. Discussions highlighted fund collection and utilization, research initiatives, scholarships, credit programs, and borrower insurance updates.

Key officials in attendance included Atty. Asis G. Perez, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations and Chair of the ACEF Program Management Committee; Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture – CAR; Mr. Raul Q. Montemayor, Farmers Cooperatives/Associations Representative; and Mr. Norberto O. Chingcuanco, Fisherfolk Cooperatives/Associations Representative.

The event featured breakout sessions where regional representatives shared insights and best practices in implementing the program.

Mr. Ever Joy G. Rabadan, MAEM, MSc., Education Supervisor II and Scholarship Coordinator of CHEDRO Caraga, provided updates on the ACEF scholarship program and played a crucial role in facilitating the discussions. Supporting the event was Ms. Edrin Kate N. Salingay, CSP Support Staff and ACEF-GIAHEP Alternate Focal, who contributed by preparing the consolidated data report from CHEDRO Caraga.

The assessment concluded with a Synthesis and Ways Forward session, outlining key strategies to enhance ACEF’s impact in the coming year.