Eastern Visayas State University is in full support of the celebration of the First National

Higher Education Day celebration with a theme, "PADYAK! Moving Forward, Claiming
Victory for Philippine Higher Education Pamantasan: Pandayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran,"
that was held on December 4, 2021 at the EVSU Covered Court. 

Early In the morning, Eastern Visayas State University-Ormoc Bikers escorted the PADYAK
contingents and Dr. J. Prospero "Popoy" De Vera III, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED), along with the SUC's Presidents, LUC's Presidents, PHEI's Presidents, LGU
Officials, Guests and EVSU officials, from Brgy. Macabug Ormoc City to EVSU-Ormoc
Campus.
 
This year's celebration recognizes a huge achievement for CHED, which has achieved various
momentous endeavors in the midst of the difficult conditions brought by the Covid-19
pandemic. 

The Commission was created on May 18, 1994 by virtue of Republic Act 7722 (RA 7722),
otherwise known as the Higher Education Act of 1994. It has a mission to protect, foster and
promote the right of all citizens to affordable quality education at all levels and shall take
appropriate steps to ensure that education shall be accessible to all.

In view of this, the CHEd invited all University Presidents from different campuses and other
stakeholders to participate in all activities related to the celebration, particularly the rising for the
entrance colors and students' forum where students can ask questions with regards to the Free
Higher Education, share their experiences, and discuss topics of students who are having a hard
time coping with the new set up of education, especially in this time of crisis.

During the students' forum of his Padyak tour, CHED Chairman Dr. "Popoy" De Vera III assured
EVSU-OC students that CHED is working with universities in developing smarter campuses.
This prepares the campus for the resumption of face-to-face classes, so that students can come
back to a school that is better than what they left in March 2020.

Upon hearing the testimonies of the TES guarantees, Chairman De Vera III shared CHED's
recent initiatives in the development of higher education for Filipinos, such as expanding access
to colleges and universities in reference to Republic Act 10931 – AN ACT PROMOTING
UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION BY PROVIDING FREE
TUITION AND OTHER SCHOOL FEES IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES.

In an interview with Dr. J. Prospero "Popoy" De Vera lll, he said that "Sa lahat ng kabataang
Pilipino, hindi dahilan ang kahirapan para mag give up sa buhay dahil sa lahat ng pag aaral sa
buong mundo,malaking pagbabago,kapag ikaw ay nakapagtapos."

Dr. De Vera currently holds the positions of Chairperson of the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED), Adviser of the Philippine Negotiating Panel with the National Democratic
Front/Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army (NDF/CPP/NPA), and
Commissioner of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
De Vera added that the Commission recognizes the diligence, patience and hard work of the
people of CHED and those in higher education institutions (HEIs) to accommodate every inquiry
of students about its programs.

"When we help young Filipinos achieve their dreams, we help achieve the dreams of next
generation beyond us," he said. 

CHED has stayed committed to its promise to support professionals, student-executives, and
adults in general in their pursuit of academic excellence and reforming the country's higher
education system since its establishment in 1994.

Meanwhile, the Christmas spirit was felt early at Eastern Visayas State University during the
PADYAK celebration. Our very own Campus Director, Dr. Gerry B. 
de Cadiz, together with the Coordinator of Culture and the Arts, Dr. Guillermo Sodomia, and
Artistic Director, Mr. Roxy Bandejo, initiated the first ever Christmas Village Competition
participated by all academic departments. This program was conceptualized with the theme
"Paskong Pinoy." And Education Department was awarded as the most creative Christmas
village. 

The program ended with an inspirational message by Dr. Vera and the positive impact he has
enacted on the lives of the Students.