New CHED-PCG partnership brings disaster resilience, community service to higher education
CHED and the Philippine Coast Guard signed a landmark agreement to integrate disaster resilience, maritime safety, and community service into higher education programs, preparing students to be nation-ready and civic-minded. (Photo Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis / Facebook)
To strengthen disaster resilience, environmental stewardship, and community service training in higher education programs, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Wednesday, September 17, signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis highlighted that the MOA represents more than a formal signing, describing it as a “firm declaration of shared resolve” to cultivate future leaders who exemplify discipline, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
The agreement focuses on enhancing the National Service Training Program–Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP–CWTS) by incorporating the PCG’s expertise in disaster risk reduction, maritime safety, and community preparedness into student training.
The initiative aims to produce graduates who are not only industry-ready but also nation-ready, capable of serving communities and protecting lives during emergencies.
“This partnership is a bridge between the classroom and the open seas, between policy and practice, between aspiration and action,” Agrupis said.
Through this collaboration, CHED and the PCG aim to embed practical, life-saving skills into higher education curricula, preparing students to respond effectively to natural disasters, maritime emergencies, and community challenges nationwide.
This initiative also reinforces CHED’s commitment to holistic education, blending academic excellence with civic duty and disaster preparedness, and aligning with national goals for a resilient and proactive citizenry.
“With the expertise of the Coast Guard, we are equipping our students with the knowledge and values needed not just for careers but for citizenship anchored in responsibility and resilience,” Agrupis added.