Negros Oriental State University manifested its support for the CHED Family Empowerment Center Project PAG-IBIG during the virtual launching held earlier today, June 3, 2026, at Romblon State University. PAG-IBIG stands for Parents Access to Growth through Inclusive, Balanced, and Innovative Guidance.
The CHED Family Empowerment Center Project PAG-IBIG is a transformative initiative that creates a nurturing environment where children can learn and thrive while solo parents pursue their aspirations. Launched in June 2026 under CHED's ARUGA Program, the project is implemented in partnership with 81 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and State Colleges (SCs) nationwide.
Its core goals and features include:
• Campus Childcare – Provides a 24/7-style temporary care environment within SUCs where the children of students can safely learn and play.
• Academic Continuity – Eliminates childcare as a primary barrier to graduation, enabling student-parents to attend classes without sacrificing family welfare.
• Gender and Development Integration – Managed directly through university Gender and Development (GAD) offices to promote inclusive policies across campus ecosystems.
• Holistic Support Hubs – Integrates basic education, mental health awareness, and parental guidance into a community-centered support system.
Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized in her message that the project is more than just a facility; it is “a realization of a vision that recognizes that education thrives when families are empowered, communities are strengthened, and every learner is given the support needed to succeed. When we invest in families, we invest in the future.”
She added that the CHED ARUGA Program is more than a program; it is a manifestation of compassionate and inclusive higher education.
Dr. Aileen Rosette Felix, GAD Director, represented NORSU during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement to express the university’s willingness, commitment, and support for childcare and community empowerment initiatives.
