The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Friday said it has rolled out a program to capacitate leaders and officials of the country’s state universities and colleges (SUCs).

This complies with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to support Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) in responding to the evolving learners’ needs, technological advancements and industry demands.

The agency launched the Elevating Leadership and Institutional Capacity Towards Excellence in Philippine Higher Education (ELITE-PHE) from Sept. 7 to 9, in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) at the DAP Conference Center.

In a statement, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said the program seeks to boost the leadership and governance capabilities of SUC leaders across the country, especially in decision-making for quality higher education.

“A policy can establish a direction. A framework can provide guidance. Resources can make implementation possible. But institutional leaders still have to make the crucial decisions,” she said.

The ELITE-PHE consisted of three tracks to cover various roles in SUC leadership and governance.

These include the Executive Training Program for Presidents for SUC presidents, Governance Strengthening for Effective SUC Oversight for Board Secretaries, and the Executive Leadership Development Program for selected future SUC presidents and higher education leaders.

Overall, the ELITE-PHE gathered 87 participants, including state university and college presidents and vice presidents, senior administrators and academicians, and board secretaries.

A total of 40 CHED-DAP scholars, meanwhile, were selected nationwide to participate in the Executive Leadership Development Program, which will span three months until November.

The program will focus on strategic leadership and advanced governance skills. (PNA)