CHED Warns Students About Phased-Out Programs at SVDFCC in Caloocan City
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a public caution to students considering St. Vincent De Ferrer College of Camarin (SVDFCC) in Caloocan City. The agency warns that credentials earned from certain programs that are being phased out will no longer be recognized or certified by CHED, potentially affecting graduates and current enrollees alike.
In a notice signed by CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis and posted on CHED’s official Facebook page on September 29, CHED states that SVDFCC has been barred from accepting new students in several programs slated for phaseout. This action aligns with CHED’s ongoing effort to ensure that degrees and credentials issued in the country meet current standards and are recognized by the agency and other higher education institutions.
CHED emphasizes that the directive is not a temporary recommendation but a formal measure. The notice clearly states that SVDFCC is “not allowed to accept new students for the phased-out programs,” following a resolution issued on October 19, 2021. The public warning further notes that credentials for students enrolled in these programs will not be certified, authenticated, or verified, and no special orders will be issued for those programs.
The situation is anchored in CHED Resolution No. 654-2021, which outlines the specific degree programs targeted for phaseout at SVDFCC. The listed programs are: Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and Bachelor of Secondary Education. By design, these programs are being phased out, and CHED’s position is that new enrollees should seek alternatives at accredited HEIs to ensure that their academic records retain validity and recognition in the future.
What Affects Students Need to Know
The notice makes clear that CHED will not issue Special Orders (SOs) for students who continue to enroll in the phased-out programs. Nor will CHED certify, authenticate, or verify the credentials of graduates from these courses. For students already enrolled, this raises important questions about recognition of credits and the potential need to transfer to a CHED-recognized program elsewhere to preserve the value of their degrees.
CHED advised affected students to transfer to recognized higher education institutions (HEIs). The goal is to ensure that their academic records remain valid, transferable, and fully recognized by CHED and future employers or academic institutions. Those seeking assistance can contact the CHED Regional Office–National Capital Region (NCR) for guidance on the transfer process and on identifying suitable alternative programs that align with the students’ prior coursework and career goals.
What Students Should Do Next
Students currently enrolled in SVDFCC’s phased-out programs should consider a formal transfer plan as soon as possible. Steps typically include obtaining a complete set of transcripts, compiling course syllabi for transfer credit assessment, and engaging with prospective institutions to determine which credits can be accepted. Prospective and current students should also verify the status of any admissions or transfer requirements with the receiving HEI, as policies on credit transfer vary among schools.
Additionally, students and guardians can reach out to CHED NCR for clarity on which programs are affected, documentation needed for transfer, and the official timelines involved. CHED’s ongoing communication underscores a commitment to protecting students from the risk of invalid or unrecognized credentials and helps ensure a smoother transition for those affected by these phased-out programs.
Key Dates and How CHED Enforces the Policy
The policy traces its roots to CHED Resolution No. 654-2021, with the public notice reaffirming the agency’s stance on September 29. Although the directive was first communicated to SVDFCC on October 19, 2022, CHED’s renewed public reminder serves to reinforce the agency’s position that ongoing enrollment in phased-out programs is not permitted and that credentials from those programs will not be validated. This is part of CHED’s broader mandate to safeguard the integrity of higher education credentials in the Philippines.
Bottom Line for Students
For anyone considering SVDFCC, this notice signals a critical stop and reassessment: enroll only in programs that are currently recognized and supported by CHED; explore alternative, CHED-recognized HEIs if a program is being phased out; and use official CHED channels to verify credential validity and transfer options. The agency’s focus remains protecting students from pursuing degrees that may not be recognized in the long term, ensuring that the effort and time invested in higher education lead to credentials that carry real value in the workforce and academic advancement.
