In recent years, Philippine higher education has seen remarkable growth and transformation, driven by innovations and reforms designed to respond to the changing demands of the global job market and meet the varied needs of students.The landscape of the country’s higher education has undergone significant improvements, largely due to the dedicated efforts of the Commission …
In recent years, Philippine higher education has seen remarkable growth and transformation, driven by innovations and reforms designed to respond to the changing demands of the global job market and meet the varied needs of students.
The landscape of the country’s higher education has undergone significant improvements, largely due to the dedicated efforts of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
CHED’s policies, programs, and initiatives have transformed the educational sector over the years, making it more inclusive, competitive, and globally relevant.
Significant changes
Philippine higher education has experienced substantial changes, fueled by reforms aimed at improving access, quality, and global competitiveness.
Among the key changes is the integration of the K to 12 basic education program, which has reshaped pathways to higher education.
Tuition-free higher education has also been a major game-changer.
The enactment of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931) in 2017, which provides free tuition at state universities and colleges (SUCs), has expanded access to higher education for thousands of Filipinos who were previously unable to afford it, making it more accessible to a broader group of students.
Prospero De Vera III, the current chairman of CHED, has played a pivotal role in the passage of the free higher education law. “Access to education has now improved,” he said, referring to the UAQTEA. “We are focusing on ensuring that it is access to quality tertiary education,” he added.
According to CHED, more than two million students no longer pay tuition and miscellaneous fees through the UAQTEA. Additionally, over 700,000 financially challenged students receive financial aid through the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and the “Tulong-Dunong Program” (TDP).
The shift toward outcomes-based education (OBE) in the Philippines, which prioritizes student competencies and learning outcomes over traditional teaching methods, has been a key strategy to ensure that graduates are better equipped with skills relevant to the job market.
Philippine universities have placed greater emphasis on global competitiveness by enhancing their academic programs and fostering more collaborations with international institutions.
There has also been a growing focus on research and innovation, with universities being encouraged to contribute to national development.
The Covid-19 pandemic expedited the adoption of online and blended learning models in higher education, resulting in a greater reliance on technology for course delivery and improving access to education.
This shift has had a lasting impact, leading to the widespread use of digital tools, online platforms, and hybrid learning models. Many universities have continued to embrace these approaches, adapting to new technologies and placing a greater focus on digital literacy and e-learning strategies in their offerings, even beyond the pandemic.
Rise of Philippine HEIs in global rankings
Another positive development is the recognition of the Philippine higher education system in global rankings, marked by significant improvements in university standings across various international assessments.
De Vera noted the “growing presence” of Philippine universities, recognized not only in Asia but across the world.
CHED’s push for academic excellence, research initiatives, and international partnerships has contributed to this upward trajectory.
De Vera shared that CHED has been offering various opportunities for Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) to globalize. These include participating in international education fairs, sponsoring university officials to travel abroad for immersion and potential program adoption, and conducting ongoing workshops to help Philippine HEIs meet global ranking standards and ensure compliance.
In November last year, CHED announced that 25 Philippine universities ranked among Asia’s best in the 2025 QS Asia Rankings. This, CHED said, proved its “strengthened efforts to push Philippine HEIs to advance their education quality and competitiveness.” Also, in October last year, CHED reported that six Philippine HEIs were ranked among the best in the 2025 THE World University Rankings.
De Vera said the continuing annual increase in the number of Philippine HEIs subjecting themselves to international assessments and rankings is “indeed outstanding.”
He then assured that CHED will continue accelerating internationalization, assisting university-to-university linkages, and fostering partnerships to bring more HEIs into international rankings.
“The Commission will continue to work closely with universities and other stakeholders to further elevate the Philippines’ standing in the global higher education arena,” De Vera said.
Meanwhile, CHED’s granting of autonomous and deregulated status to select private HEIs has been instrumental in promoting institutional excellence.
Schools with these statuses are given greater freedom to innovate, design programs, and implement policies that meet global benchmarks. These measures have motivated HEIs to continuously improve their performance, fostering a culture of competitiveness and excellence.
In September last year, CHED granted 92 private higher education institutions autonomous and deregulated status.
As the sector evolves, the transformation of higher education in the Philippines remains a continuous journey aimed at building a more competitive and future-ready workforce.
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