The rollout of the Zonal Public Orientation on Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 5, Series of 2026, or the Pathway to “Health and Well-Being” in Higher Education and its Monitoring Instrument, moved the conversation from policy understanding to practical application, anchored on the principle that education fulfills its highest purpose when it safeguards the health and development of learners.
Following the Iloilo leg for the Visayas cluster, this session in Baguio City convened participants from Regions I, II, III, V, CAR, NCR, and MIMAROPA, representing the Luzon cluster. This avenue allowed for a more grounded exchange on how institutions can align existing efforts into systems that are responsive, connected, and sustained.
The orientation focused on how schools can integrate health promotion, substance use prevention, and student support services into their academic and institutional environments. Rather than introducing new programs, the emphasis was on strengthening current initiatives and ensuring these are cohesive and measurable. Anchored on the R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Student Framework and its guiding principles, participants explored practical strategies that support informed decision-making and foster safe, supportive learning spaces.
As part of the Technical Working Group on the Promotion of Health and Well-Being and Substance Use Prevention, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) contributed technical guidance to help translate the policy into actionable direction with Chairperson – Secretary Oscar Valenzuela leading the delegation.
Serving as resource persons from the DDB’s Policy Studies, Research, and Statistics Division, Mr. Michael Miatari discussed the guiding principles of the framework, emphasizing the need for evidence-based, inclusive, and context-responsive approaches in program design and implementation. Mr. Bob Patrick Cañega, in turn, presented the rewards and incentives component, highlighting how recognition and structured support can motivate innovation and sustain institutional commitment over time.
Sessions on emerging practices highlighted evidence-based approaches being implemented across campuses. Discussions on monitoring and evaluation reframed these not as compliance requirements, but as tools for reflection that help institutions track progress and refine strategies based on their unique contexts. An open couch dialogue further enriched the exchange, allowing participants to share insights, raise concerns, and learn from one another.
This leg underscored that student well-being is best supported through coordinated systems that bring together policies, people, and services. As the nationwide rollout continues, each engagement strengthens a shared direction for higher education, one that supports learning while ensuring that students are equipped to navigate challenges with the right systems in place.
Sa bawat hakbang, mas pinagtitibay ang layunin na makabuo ng mga pamantasan na hindi lamang nakatuon sa akademikong tagumpay, kundi sa kabuuang kapakanan ng bawat mag-aaral.
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