Abuyog Community College (ACC) joined higher education institutions nationwide in commemorating the 32nd Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the 6th National Higher Education Day through a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony and virtual celebration earlier today, May 18, carrying the theme, “ACHIEVE-ing Knowledge Economy Together for a Future-Ready Bagong Pilipinas.”

The celebration also gathered various local colleges and universities (LUCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and public and private higher education institutions across the region, together with CHED commissioners, regional directors, officials, and employees in a unified observance of educational progress.

At the campus’ Business Incubation Facility (BIF), the ACC delegation convened to participate in the digital proceedings. Attendance was led by Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana, alongside deans, directors, faculty members, and administrative personnel.

The observance commenced with a nationwide virtual broadcast spearheaded by the CHED National Office, marking the milestone celebration and reaffirming the commission’s commitment to strengthening a future-ready educational system grounded in innovation, accessibility, and collaboration.

Following the simultaneous flag ceremony, the regional virtual program organized by the CHED Regional Office VIII (CHEDRO VIII) gathered higher education institutions across Eastern Visayas to further commemorate the occasion and reflect on the collective mission of advancing quality tertiary education.

During the virtual program, Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII, delivered his opening message emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the commission and higher education institutions in building an innovative and resilient educational landscape.

A notable highlight of the regional virtual gathering was the recognition extended to ACC by Dr. Aljibe, who commended the institution for producing three topnotchers in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET)—an achievement that was initially and mistakenly attributed to another local institution before being properly acknowledged. He likewise recognized the college’s recent international distinction, underscoring the growing impact of local colleges in the advancement of higher education.

Dr. Aljibe further emphasized that sustained success in higher education relies on strengthened partnerships between CHED and higher education institutions, noting that collective efforts remain essential in delivering accessible, relevant, and quality education to Filipino learners.

The simultaneous ceremony reaffirmed the continuing partnership between CHED and higher education institutions in implementing national educational directives while promoting inclusive and quality tertiary education throughout the country.

For ACC, the occasion not only symbolized participation in a nationwide milestone but also served as recognition of the institution’s growing academic achievements; reflecting its continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and transformative higher education in Eastern Visayas.