The Commission on Higher Education Negros Island Region (CHED-NIR Region XVIII) recognized Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) for its milestones and contributions during the 2nd Regional Quality Awards, held at the STI–West Negros University Gymnasium in Bacolod City on May 26, 2026.
University President Norberto Mangulabnan led the CHMSU delegation in receiving seven awards from CHED-NIR led by Regional Director Raul Alvarez. The event was held in celebration of the 32nd CHED Founding Anniversary and the 6th National Higher Education Day with the theme “ACHIEVE-ing Knowledge Economy Together for a Future-Ready Bagong Pilipinas.”
Accompanying the president in receiving the awards were VP for Academic Affairs Engr. Russel Dela Torre; College of Education Dean Ophelia Duayan; Director for Student Affairs and Services Maria Victoria Violanda; Director for Internationalization and External Relations Rhoderick Samonte; Director for Quality Management Yrika Marie Dusaran; Bachelor of Elementary Education Program Chair Mary Gee Salbibia; Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science Program Chair Faith Celeste Ole; and Executive Assistant Josel Osal.
CHED NIR Regional Director Raul Alvarez (4th from left) leads the awarding of plaques to CHMSU Pres. Norberto Mangulabnan. Pres. Mangulabnan was joined by VPAA Engr. Russel Dela Torre, COED Dean Ophelia Duayan, OSAS Director Maria Victoria Violanda, BEED Program Chair Mary Gee Salbibia, BSED Science Program Chair Faith Celeste Ole, QM Director Yrika Marie Dusaran, Executive Asst. Josel Osal, and CIER Director Rhoderick Samonte.
CHED / CIER photos
CHMSU received the International Ranking Recognition Award for International Ranking Recognition Award for World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) rankings and ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA). The university recently ranked 253rd in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). The university also broke into the Top 100 in four specific innovation categories, competing alongside major research institutions across Asia, Europe, and the Americas — ranking 17th for Crisis Management, 45th for Ethics and Integrity, 51st for Industrial Application, and 98th for Interdisciplinary, Convergent, and Integrated Research.
The university also received the Outstanding Board Performance Award for ranking 7th in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (Elementary Level). In the same examination, Kim Patricia Espinosa (BSED Science, Class of 2025) earned Rank 5 at the Secondary Education level with a score of 94.20%, while Nera Andre Quinto (BEED, Class of 2025) achieved Rank 8 with a score of 93.20%.
CHED / CIER photos
CHMSU was further recognized with awards for Excellence in Internationalization and Excellence in Student Affairs and Services, honoring the institution’s efforts in global engagement and student support programs.
The university was also named Model Implementer for Gender and Development and Model Implementer for the CHED Student Financial Assistance Programs (STUFAPs).
Finally, CHMSU received a Certificate of Appreciation for its support of CHED-NIR’s successful implementation of its programs, activities, and projects.
The CHED Regional Quality Awards celebrated the outstanding contributions of higher education institutions in the newly established Negros Island Region.
