CHED RO XI Advances Lifelong Learning through Micro-Credentials at RankEd Program Series 4
Davao City — Continuing its commitment to innovative and responsive education, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI (CHED RO XI) conducted the fourth installment of its RankEd Program titled “Jumpstarting Micro-Credential Development, Approval, and Recognition among HEIs in Davao Region” on July 24, 2025 at The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases, Davao City.
Spearheaded by CHED RO XI Regional Director Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, CESO III, the initiative is aligned with CHED Memorandum Order No. 1, s. 2025, which institutionalizes micro-credentials as flexible, stackable, and industry-recognized qualifications within the framework of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF). This effort responds to the global shift toward short-cycle, skills-based learning tailored to evolving labor market demands.
In her welcome message, Dr. Casquejo emphasized the role of micro-credentials in expanding access to lifelong learning and bridging the gap between education and employment.
The program featured keynote presentations from Pearson Asia-Pacific leaders Mr. Stuart Connor, Workforce Solutions Lead, and Mr. Mark Flores, Country Business Development Manager for the Philippines and Singapore, who shared global trends and a case study on micro-credential stacking in a Bachelor of Financial Management program.
CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela, Chair of the Technical Working Group on Lifelong Learning, also delivered a session on CHED’s vision for micro-credentials and provided an in-depth discussion of CMO No. 1, s. 2025.
A dynamic plenary panel tackled industry demand and partnership opportunities for micro-credentials, moderated by Ms. Belinda Torres, Immediate Past President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII). Panelists included:
A dynamic plenary panel tackled the industry demand and partnership opportunities for micro-credentials, moderated by Ms. Belinda Torres, Immediate Past President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII). The panel brought together a diverse group of experts including Dr. Roland T. Suico, President of DCCCII; Mr. Xavier Eric Manalastas, President of ICT Davao; Atty. Samuel R. Matunog, Chairman of ICT Davao; Mr. Stuart Connor, Workforce Solutions Lead of Pearson APAC; Dr. Luis D. Perez, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED RO XI; Mr. Roger James Plasabas, Director of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence and Lifelong Learning (iCELL) at Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao; and Dr. Kenny James P. Merin, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Lyceum of the Philippines – Davao. Their insights provided valuable perspectives on aligning micro-credential programs with labor market needs and fostering meaningful collaborations between academia and industry.
In the afternoon, participants engaged in a hands-on workshop focused on drafting micro-credential proposals and mapping industry needs. This was followed by a peer review and coaching session where CHED, Pearson, and industry representatives provided constructive feedback.
The event concluded with action planning, proposal presentations from selected HEIs, and discussions on partnership frameworks such as MOUs and LOIs. In his closing remarks, Dr. Christopher Pio O. Pulido, CHED RO XI’s Supervising Education Program Specialist, led the synthesis, awarding of certificates, and a photo session to cap the full-day engagement.
Through RankEd Series 4, CHED RO XI reaffirms its commitment to championing forward-thinking academic reforms and fostering collaborative ecosystems that prepare higher education institutions in the Davao Region to meet global standards of quality and relevance.
