18/10/2026
𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗-𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗨𝗬𝗢𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺
The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) successfully held the Culminating Program of ASEAN ALLUYON 2026: Advancing Local Learning, Unity, Youth, and Opportunities through Networks on October 13–14, 2026 at the University of the Cordilleras, Baguio City.
The two-day program gathered presidents, heads, and representatives of higher education institutions in the region, together with partner agencies, resource speakers, faculty, and students. It centered on weaving indigenous knowledge, heritage, and higher education into ASEAN connectivity.
The program advances CHED’s A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda 2030, particularly its thrust on Expanded and Impact-Driven Internationalization Strategies. It shows how Cordillera institutions can engage the ASEAN community while remaining grounded in their own heritage, and how internationalization can produce real benefits for students, faculty, and communities.
Plenary Sessions
Dr. Maileenita A. Peñalba, Director of the Cordillera Studies Center of the University of the Philippines Baguio, and CHED-CAR OIC Regional Director Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon led the discussion on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices in ASEAN Communities. Ms. Adelaida Guia, Guinness World Records holder for the largest crochet mandala by an individual, and Mr. Rolly Keth B. Nabanalan of Ifugao State University spoke on Creative Industries, Culture, and Higher Education in ASEAN Connectivity.
Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement
CHED-CAR, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the state universities and colleges and higher education institutions of the Cordillera signed a Memorandum of Agreement establishing the Global Readiness and Safe Mobility (GRAS-M) Initiative. Through this partnership, institutions will strengthen migration literacy, anti-illegal recruitment education, and safe international mobility for students and faculty.
Commitment Wall
Institutional leaders and partners signed the Commitment Wall, reaffirming their pledge to advance regional heritage, partnerships, and opportunities for the youth.
Institutional Showcase
Participating institutions presented their culture, creativity, and ASEAN cuisine through booths and culinary presentations.
CHED-CAR extends its gratitude to the University of the Cordilleras for hosting the program; the Department of Migrant Workers, its partner agency; the Philippine Information Agency – CAR, its official media partner, for the livestreaming and coverage; and the speakers, judges, participating institutions, and students for their contributions.
CHED-CAR remains committed to advancing the A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda and to strengthening internationalization and regional collaboration in higher education across the Cordillera and the ASEAN community.
