The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has welcomed the initial findings of the World Bank’s (WB) ongoing Functional Review, which aims to improve governance, streamline systems, and enhance public service delivery in the higher education sector.
CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis met with representatives of the WB on May 13, where the WB team presented preliminary findings and recommendations based on consultations and assessment activities conducted since the review began on January 30, 2026.
The review is intended to help identify ways to improve CHED’s operations, streamline processes, and strengthen institutional systems.
The WB delegation included Dr. Cristian Aedo, Practice Manager for the East Asia and Pacific Region of the Education Global Practice; Ms. Tara Béteille, Lead Economist in the East Asia Pacific Region; Mr. Janssen Teixeira, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank’s Education Global Practice; and Mr. Koen Geven, Senior Economist in the Education Global Practice of the World Bank, who joined online.
Also joining Chairperson Agrupis during the meeting was CHED Executive Director Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro.
Agrupis said the review supports continuing reforms to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to serve students and higher education institutions.
She noted that the recommendations may help strengthen regulatory processes, improve scholarship management, accelerate system digitization, and enhance governance mechanisms across the Commission.
This collaboration with the World Bank is anchored in CHED’s ACHIEVE Agenda.
It prioritizes stronger governance, smarter systems, and responsive public service that genuinely delivers for Filipino students and higher education institutions nationwide.