Pangasinan State University (PSU) President Dr. Elbert M. Galas participated in the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) 32nd Anniversary Culminating Activity held on June 10, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
The event, dubbed “Strategic Partnership Convergence,” carried the theme “ACHIEVE-ing Knowledge Economy for a Future-Ready Bagong Pilipinas,” aimed at further advancing the Philippine higher education sector.
Gathering key figures in the country’s academic and policy landscape, the activity featured the State of the Higher Education Address (SOHEA) delivered by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, alongside the ceremonial signing of guidelines on the release of funds for Free Higher Education deficiencies for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)—a move seen to further strengthen institutional sustainability and access.
Among the distinguished national education leaders were CHED Commissioners Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari who is also PSU’s Board of Regents Chairperson, Dr. Michelle A. Ong, Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III, and Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV for CHED-International Affairs Service (IAS), whose policy leadership continues to steer the direction of higher education reforms in the country. Supporting the implementation of CHED’s programs was Dr. Ian Evangelista, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Deputy Executive Director IV and concurrent Chief of Staff in the Office of the CHED Chairperson, playing a crucial role in institutional coordination at the central level.
Also in attendance was Dr. Dexter R. Buted, CEO and Administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority and former PSU President, whose presence highlights the enduring link between academic leadership and national development.
Representing the unified voice of state universities and colleges, PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, and PASUC-1 officials were likewise in attendance, advocating for strengthened collaboration and institutional advancement across the SUC sector.
Equally distinguished leader was Dr. Milabel Ho, Executive Director of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), who reinforced the critical role of accreditation in sustaining quality and excellence among SUCs.
The event also brought together presidents and heads of various State Universities and Colleges across the country, further solidifying a unified front in addressing challenges and advancing innovations within the higher education system.
Through his active participation, Dr. Galas strengthens PSU’s engagement in national initiatives and policy directions—ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of building an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready higher education landscape.
