Republic Act No. 11522, approved on February 5, 2021, designates May 18 of each year as "National Higher Education Day" in the Philippines, commemorating the founding anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The Act mandates that government agencies, local government units, and educational institutions promote and provide opportunities for engagement in activities celebrating this day. CHED is tasked with leading the preparation and implementation of annual activities for the observance of the event, with support from higher education institutions. The law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.
February 5, 2021
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11522
AN ACT DECLARING MAY 18 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION DAY
SECTION 1. National Higher Education Day. — The eighteenth (18th) day of May of every year is hereby declared as the "National Higher Education Day" in commemoration of the founding anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
To ensure a meaningful observance of this special working day as herein declared, all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and -controlled corporations, local government units, public and private educational institutions, employers in the private sector, and industry associations, shall encourage and afford sufficient time and opportunities for their students or employees to engage and participate in any activity conducted within the premises of their schools, offices or establishments in celebration of the "National Higher Education Day."
SECTION 2. Lead Agency. — The CHED shall be the lead agency in charge of the preparation and implementation of an annual program of activities and advocacy campaign for the observance of the "National Higher Education Day."
All higher education institutions shall also provide full support and assistance to the preparation of the annual program of activities and events to be conducted by CHED in observance of the event pursuant to this Act.
SECTION 3. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.
Approved: February 5, 2021.
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 117, No. 8, p. 2169 on February 22, 2021.