CHED Invites NIR, WV Higher Education Institutions to Creative Works Seminar

ISUFST as lead partner

Higher education institutions (HEIs) across Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region will participate in the “Creating the Creatives: Building the Blueprint for Creative Works Excellence in HEIs” seminar-workshop on October 27–28, 2025, at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Iloilo City, with the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) serving as the lead partner institution.

Organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Offices VI and XVIII, the two-day event carries the theme “Global Pathways: Pioneering Creative Works Anchored on the SDGs for Internationalization.” It aims to help universities and colleges establish and sustain Creative Works Offices (CWOs) that align with CHED’s national framework for creative industry development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

CHEDRO VI Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr. will open the seminar, underscoring the need for institutional frameworks that nurture creative research and innovation. ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. will deliver a message on behalf of the pioneering institution in creative works, while ISUFST Palanca Awardee Prof. Kimberly Rose Pillo–Frufonga will provide a creative presentation.

The keynote address will be given by Prof. Martin G. Genodepa of the University of the Philippines Visayas, who will discuss creative leadership and culture as drivers of development. This will be followed by sessions led by ISUFST’s Dr. Edmer D. Bernardo (The Mandate and the Vision), UCWO Director Prof. Michle M. Celeste (From Mandate to Impact: Pioneering Creative Works through Strategic Policy Initiatives), and Ms. Marianne T. Bebit of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (Copyright and Online Filing Procedures).

In the afternoon, columnist Dr. Herman M. Lagon, ISUFST University Creative Works Office (UCWO) Evaluation Board Member, will lead a policy deep-dive workshop on “The University Creative Works Agenda.” This will be followed by ISUFST’s Dr. Rex S. Paulino presenting “Operational Blueprint: The Assessment Process,” supported by his colleagues Dr. Michelle P. Bales, Dr. John D. Catunao, Prof. John V. Nino Crauz, and Dr. Ariel Calanao, as facilitators. A spoken word presentation by ISUFST Prof. Al Jeffrey T. Gonzales, a Palanca Awardee, will highlight the creative dimension of policy discourse.

Day 2 will focus on advancing sustainability and collaboration in creative works. Dr. Stephen Raymund T. Jinon, Director of ISUFST’s School of Graduate Studies, will discuss “Advancing the SDGs Agenda on Creative Works,” followed by Prof. Noel Galon de Leon, publisher of Kasingkasing Press, who will speak on Publishing, Sourcing, and Funding.

The final session, “HEI Roadmap Development,” will guide participants in designing their institutional Creative Works Office plans, facilitated by Dr. Bales, Dr. Catunao, Prof. Crauz, Dr. Calanao, and Dr. Ramir C. Torreces.

The entire program reinforces the integration of the SDGs—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—into the creative and academic ecosystems of Philippine HEIs.

The event will conclude with a Formal Commitment Ceremony led by CHEDRO VI officials, ISUFST executives, and HEI representatives. Dr. Danebeth Narzoles, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHEDRO VI, will deliver the closing message, highlighting CHED’s continued support for creative innovation in higher education.

ISUFST President Dr. Siason said the university is honored to co-host this pioneering initiative. “As the first university with BOR-approved creative works policies, ISUFST hopes to model how creativity can be institutionalized and celebrated,” he shared.

Prof. Celeste added, “Creative outputs bridge intellect and imagination. Through creative works, we tell our stories, honor our roots, and help communities imagine better futures—all aligned with the SDGs.”

Among the many invited HEIs are Aklan State University, Capiz State University, Central Philippine University, Filamer Christian University, Guimaras State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, John B. Lacson Maritime Foundation University, Northern Iloilo State University, University of Antique, University of San Agustin, West Visayas State University, University of the Philippines Visayas, Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, Northwestern Visayan Colleges, St. Joseph Regional Seminary Graduate School of Theology, St. Paul University Iloilo, University of Iloilo, Western Institute of Technology, and Aklan Catholic College. ISUFST is likewise listed as both a participant and co-host.

The workshop will culminate with a Pledge of Commitment reaffirming the collective mission to foster creative innovation, integrate SDGs, and strengthen international collaboration among Philippine HEIs.* (PAMMCO)