CHED RO XI Conducts Orientation on SIAP and Local Off-Campus Activities
Davao City — The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI (CHED RO XI), in collaboration with the Council of Academic Heads for Tourism and Hospitality Education – Davao Region (CAHFTHE-DR), conducted an Orientation on the Required Documentation and Prescribed Timelines for Processing of Applications for CHED Endorsements under the Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) and a Reorientation on Policies and Guidelines on Local Off-Campus Activities on April 28, 2026.
The activity was held at the PME Building of Holy Cross of Davao College and was attended by Deans, Program Heads, and designated focal persons responsible for off-campus activities from Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management, and Tourism Management programs of participating higher education institutions (HEIs).
The orientation was organized to strengthen the capacity of HEIs in ensuring proper, timely, and compliant processing of applications and activities involving student internships abroad and local off-campus engagements. It also provided an avenue for academic administrators and designated focal persons to revisit existing policies and clarify procedural requirements in the implementation of these activities.
The session also served as a reorientation on the policies and guidelines governing local off-campus activities. Participants were reminded of the importance of ensuring that off-campus activities are properly planned, documented, supervised, and implemented in accordance with applicable CHED policies and institutional procedures.
The discussions were particularly relevant to Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management, and Tourism Management programs, where experiential learning, industry exposure, field activities, educational tours, internships, and other forms of off-campus engagement are integral components of student learning and professional preparation.
The activity featured a comprehensive presentation by Dr. Maria Christina B. Condez, Education Supervisor II of CHED RO XI and focal person for off-campus activities and the Student Internship Abroad Program. As resource speaker, Dr. Condez discussed the documentary requirements, prescribed processing timelines, and relevant policy guidelines that higher education institutions need to observe in preparing and submitting applications for CHED endorsements under SIAP.
Dr. Condez likewise provided guidance on the proper implementation of local off-campus activities, emphasizing the need for HEIs to observe established procedures and ensure that student activities outside the campus are undertaken with appropriate planning, supervision, documentation, and consideration for student welfare and safety.
The orientation highlighted the importance of institutional accountability in the implementation of off-campus activities. HEIs were encouraged to establish clear internal processes and designate responsible personnel who can coordinate applications, ensure completeness of documents, monitor timelines, and facilitate communication with CHED RO XI.
An open forum followed the presentation, providing participants with an opportunity to raise questions, clarify specific concerns, and seek guidance on actual situations encountered in the implementation and processing of SIAP and local off-campus activities.
The exchange during the open forum also allowed participating HEIs to share experiences and practical insights, contributing to a more common understanding of the policies and procedures. The discussions provided an avenue for CHED RO XI to address recurring concerns and reinforce the importance of coordination between the Regional Office and higher education institutions.
The activity likewise underscored the importance of balancing compliance with the educational objectives of off-campus activities. When properly planned and implemented, local and international internship and off-campus experiences can provide students with opportunities to apply classroom learning, develop professional competencies, gain industry exposure, and enhance their readiness for employment and professional practice.
