As part of its continuing commitment to advancing cooperative education and lifelong learning, the Co-operative College of the Philippines (Co-op College PH) recently met with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office X to discuss opportunities, regulatory considerations, and future pathways for expanding educational offerings for the cooperative sector.
The meeting was held with Mr. Daryl Glenn B. Pamplona, OIC Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED Regional Office X. Representing Co-op College PH were Ms. Donna Marie Michelle C. Dizon, CEO and Principal; Mr. Ruel T. Arsua, Business Development Officer; Ms. Mayr Jhorey B. Ramos, Program Manager; Ms. Mary Francelle Nid V. Ybanez, Recording Secretary; Ms. Ma. Antonette Fabrigas, NaFeCoop Officer-In-Charge; and Mr. JBR Emmanuel C. Talipan, Communications Specialist.
The discussion provided valuable insights into the regulatory framework governing higher education institutions and academic programs in the Philippines. CHED emphasized that institutions seeking to offer degree programs must secure the necessary permits and recognitions for each academic program, highlighting the importance of complying with established quality assurance and educational standards.
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the growing role of micro-credentials and modular learning pathways under CHED Memorandum Order No. 1, Series of 2025. The policy recognizes the value of stackable and credit-bearing learning opportunities that can support learners in building competencies and, potentially, progressing toward formal academic qualifications. The discussion also underscored the importance of partnerships between learning providers and recognized higher education institutions in ensuring quality and recognition of such programs.
The meeting further explored the distinction between higher education programs regulated by CHED and non-formal learning initiatives such as leadership development programs, executive education, governance workshops, and cooperative capacity-building activities. These insights are particularly relevant as Co-op College PH continues to strengthen its role as a provider of transformative learning experiences for cooperative leaders, professionals, and members.
Among the strategic options discussed was the possibility of establishing a progressive development pathway for the institution. This includes continuing to deliver high-quality non-formal cooperative education programs, exploring partnerships with recognized higher education institutions, and eventually expanding into micro-credential offerings that respond to the evolving learning needs of the cooperative sector.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of building institutional experience, refining curricula, strengthening partnerships, and continuously innovating learning delivery systems as part of a long-term vision for cooperative education in the Philippines.
For Co-op College PH, the meeting represents an important step in understanding the opportunities and requirements within the country’s educational landscape. More importantly, it reinforces the institution’s commitment to developing accessible, relevant, and future-ready learning pathways that empower cooperatives and contribute to the growth of the movement.
The College also takes this opportunity to acknowledge and express its full support for the appointment of Dr. Leo D. Camposano as Officer-in-Charge of CHED Regional Office X. Dr. Camposano currently serves as a Trustee of the Co-operative College of the Philippines and has long been recognized for his contributions to education, leadership development, and institutional excellence.
Co-op College PH extends its warm congratulations to Dr. Camposano and looks forward to his continued leadership in advancing quality higher education and fostering stronger linkages among educational institutions, communities, and development stakeholders. The College remains committed to working alongside CHED and its partners in promoting inclusive, innovative, and transformative learning opportunities that will benefit both the cooperative sector and Philippine society as a whole.
As the cooperative sector continues to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic environment, Co-op College PH remains dedicated to fostering leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning through quality education and meaningful partnerships.