ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 4, 2024 – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region IX recently hosted the Orientation and Workshop cum Gender Fair Languages Awareness event. The affair, held at the premises of Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST), was attended by esteemed educators and officials from across the region in hybrid sessions.

The event commenced with an inspirational message from RD Rody P. Garcia, emphasizing the pivotal roles of teamwork, guided by the esteemed CHED Education Supervisors: Dr. Joe-an G. Curaresma for Education, Clarissa C. Alvarez for HuSoCom (Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication), and Dr. Dennis Encarnacion, among others. RD Garcia underscored the significance of collective effort in fostering excellence in education.

The CHED IX Working Team took center stage to elucidate the Roles, Responsibilities, and Accountabilities of the Regional Quality Assessment Teams (RQATs). Led by OIC Engr. Joseph Lou C. Sta. Teresa, the discussions began with a focus on legality, setting the tone for meticulous attention to detail.

In a proud moment for CHEDR9, RD Garcia lauded the initiation of two monumental projects: the Automated Faculty Reclassification and the new CHED Automated Program Application System (CAPAS). Both projects, having undergone rigorous beta-testing, promise to streamline administrative processes and enhance efficiency across the board.

An engaging icebreaker paved the way for participants to dive into the purpose-driven proceedings. Among the topics highlighted were crucial directives such as CMO No.1, s.2001, which delegates authority to CHEDR Offices and other areas of concern, spearheaded by Engr. Janeny B. Domingsil.

Dr. Cuaresma shed light on CAO No.3, s. 2014, which outlines revised guidelines for the operation of Regional Quality Assessment Teams (RQATs), while Supervisor Alvarez delved into CAO No. 3, s.2014, elucidating procedures and guidelines for the conduct of evaluations, honorariums, food, accommodation, and travel expenses.

Dr. Vicente A. Regalado rounded off the discussions with insights into the processing of applications for government authority, encapsulating the holistic approach adopted by CHED IX in its endeavors.

The event culminated in the graceful appointment of RQATs for a two-year tenure, duly signed by RD Garcia, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of academic excellence.

Special thanks were extended to ZSCMST for their warm hospitality and impeccable arrangements, ensuring a conducive environment for fruitful deliberations.

In closing, the Orientation and Workshop cum Gender Fair Languages Awareness event served as a testament to CHED Region IX’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in higher education, setting the stage for continued progress and innovation in the years to come.

Penelope Garcia-Colisao,Ph.D