By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), led by Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon, successfully conducted its Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Target-Setting and First Semester Catch-Up Review on March 19, 2026, at Paragon Hotel, Baguio City. The activity aimed to assess the Regional Office’s performance during the first semester and to align targets and commitments for the rest of the year with the Commission’s strategic directions.

The program formally opened with the Statement of Purpose delivered by Ms. Fely Ann P. Balusdan, Education Supervisor II and Planning Officer of CHED-CAR. She emphasized the importance of the activity in strengthening performance accountability and ensuring that office targets remain responsive to national and regional priorities.

In his message, Dr. Ngohayon presented the strategic directions of CHED-CAR, anchored on the ACHIEVE Agenda under the administration of CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis. He underscored the critical role of each unit in the Regional Office in attaining the Commission’s goals and in effectively delivering programs and services for higher education institutions in the Cordillera.

Ms. Balusdan subsequently presented the Office Performance Commitment and Review (OPCR) of the Regional Office, outlining the targets, deliverables, and performance indicators for the remainder of CY 2026.

To ensure that office targets remain aligned with cross-cutting national commitments, Mr. Joefrence S. Yangyang, Education Program Specialist II, discussed the salient features of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Gender and Development (GAD). He highlighted the role of the Regional Office as an enabler in mainstreaming SDG and GAD principles across higher education policies, programs, and initiatives.

A workshop followed, during which personnel worked collaboratively on their respective Division Performance Commitment and Review (DPCR) and Unit Performance Commitment and Review (UPCR). The discussions focused on the two primary functions of the Regional Office—as regulator and developer of higher education programs—ensuring that targets are realistic, results-oriented, and aligned with the Commission’s mandate.

After the workshop, various units presented their outputs to the plenary to identify gaps, review accomplishments, and refine targets for the succeeding months.

As part of the administrative updates, Dr. Arvee Gaye Trinidad-Badua, Supervising Administrative Officer, presented the procurement process flow of the Regional Office to guide personnel on proper procedures and timelines.

The activity concluded with a community dance, fostering camaraderie and strengthening the spirit of collaboration among CHED-CAR personnel.

Through this activity, CHED-CAR reinforced its resolve to effectively implement its CY 2026 plans in achieving accessible, inclusive, and quality higher education in the Cordillera Administrative Region.