The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), through the Office of the Executive Director and the Office of the Programs Standards and Development (OPSD), successfully conducted the Convergence for Excellence 2024 event from July 31 to August 2, 2024, at the Grad Pilipinas Ballroom of the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City. With the theme “3Cs for 1-CHED QA: Converge, Calibrate, and Capacitate,” the event aimed to strengthen the quality assurance framework across the higher education sector in the Philippines.
Day 1: Converge for Unity
A vibrant celebration of unity and culture marked the opening day of the Convergence for Excellence 2024. Delegates were warmly welcomed at Davao International Airport by the Kalumon Dance Ensemble with a traditional Kadayawan Dance, setting the tone for the event. The festivities continued in the afternoon with a Grand Opening Ceremony featuring performances by the HCDC Cross Blazers Chorale and the HCDC Sinag Culture and Arts Collective, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Davao.
CHED RO XI Regional Director Maricar R. Casquejo officially welcomed the participants, highlighting the activities lined up for the three-day event and offering a glimpse into the unique experiences that Davao has to offer. Dr. Cherrie Melanie Anchetta-Diego, Director IV of the OPSD, delivered the Statement of Purpose and Program Overview, setting the stage for the event’s objectives.
In his inspirational message, CHED Commissioner Aldrin Darilag emphasized the importance of the event in fostering collaboration and excellence in higher education. CHED Secretary Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III further reinforced this message in his keynote address, underscoring the need to converge, calibrate, and capacitate to achieve excellence in the sector. The day concluded with a lively Socialization Night, where participants engaged in various social activities, dancing to the rhythm of music by the Kaqlingaw Uy Band, strengthening bonds and camaraderie of the participants
Day 2: Calibrate for Harmony
The second day of the event focused on the theme of calibration, with discussions and workshops aimed at harmonizing quality assurance practices across the higher education sector. Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela delivered a compelling speech on the “State of the Art of QA in ASEAN,” providing insights into regional trends and best practices.
Dr. Rogelio T. Galer, Jr., Director IV of the AFMS, led a session on “Enhancing Operations for Program Monitoring and Evaluation,” which was followed by workshops on Monitoring and Evaluation of Teacher Education Programs, Formulation of the Evaluation Monitoring Plan and Budget Requirements for Monitoring and Evaluation. These activities gave participants the tools and knowledge needed to assess and improve educational programs effectively. Additionally, Dr. Rody P. Garcia, Director of CHED 9, conducted an orientation for education supervisors on using the Comprehensive and Automated Program Monitoring and Assessment System (CAPAMS).
Day 3: Capacitate for Integrity
The final day of the Convergence for Excellence 2024 was dedicated to capacitating the delegates, focusing on upholding integrity in the monitoring and evaluation processes. CHED Executive Director IV, Atty. Cinderella Filipina Benitez-Jaro opened the day’s activities with a speech addressing the issues and concerns related to these processes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards and transparency.
Atty. Gil Garcia II, from the Office of the Ombudsman, further enriched the discussion with a talk on Graft and Prevention Measures, providing the delegates with critical insights and strategies to safeguard the integrity of their work.
In the afternoon, participants engaged in a benchmarking activity across various higher education institutions (HEIs) in Davao City. The delegates were divided into three groups, each visiting different institutions to observe and learn from their best practices. One group visited the Anatomy Museum of the Davao Medical School Foundation, another explored the Hyperflex Classroom of Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao, and the third group toured the School of Maritime Education at DMMA College of Southern Philippines and Agro-Industrial College Foundation of the Philippines.
The benchmarking activity concluded with a tour of some of Davao City’s iconic destinations, including the Kadayawan Village, Población Pasalubong Center, and the Davao City Coastal Road. The event culminated at the University of Mindanao Research Hangar and Main Library- the biggest library in Mindanao.
The Convergence for Excellence 2024 successfully brought together key stakeholders in the higher education sector, fostering a spirit of unity, harmony, and integrity. Through meaningful discussions, workshops, and benchmarking activities, the event has laid a solid foundation for continuously improving quality assurance practices across the Philippines’ higher education institutions. As CHED continues to champion these initiatives, the 3Cs—Converge, Calibrate, and Capacitate—will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in the country.