The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Caraga Regional Office convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders at the Surigao del Norte State University Board Room on March 17, 2026 to advance discussions on the establishment of the Dinagat Islands State College (DISC).
Present during the meeting were CHED Caraga Regional Director Nelia A. Alibin, PDI Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., together with other local government officials, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) personnel, the Caraga Association of State Universities and Colleges (CASUC) represented by CSU President Dr. Rolyn Daguil and NEMSU-Cantilan Campus Director, Dr. Juancho Intano, and representatives from Don Jose Ecleo Memorial College (DJEMC). Also in attendance were SNSU President Dr. Rowena Plando and SNSU university officials.
Highlights of the meeting included the discussion on the salient provisions of the RA 12299, otherwise known as, “An Act Establishing a State College in the Lone District of the Province of Dinagat Islands and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” presented by the Commission through Dr. Criseldo Calinawan, Education Supervisor II. Dr. Rolyna Trugillo, Supervising Education Program Specialist and Mr. Ever Joy Rabadan, Education Supervisor II, further elaborated the CHED issuances relative to the institutional and program requirements in establishing a higher education institution. It further discussed alignment of institutional plans, addressing operational considerations, and ensuring a smooth transition toward the full establishment of DISC.
CHED Caraga, in close collaboration with the provincial government of PDI, and the entire higher education community in the region, is looking forward to expanding higher education opportunities for all students in the island communities.