TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — Samar Colleges, Inc. (SC) received two major recognitions during the CHEDRO VIII Gawad Parangal 2026 held on June 3, 2026, at the Leyte Normal University Gym, earning a Plaque of Commendation for its achievement in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026 and Plaque of Recognition for Ms. Sheila Rose A. Nedera, who placed Top 3 in the February 2026 Criminology Licensure Examination (CLE).

Recognized for its growing international presence, SC received a Plaque of Commendation for its remarkable debut in the WURI 2026, having secured two global rankings in individual categories—51st and 89th—in the Top 100 Universities (Individual Categories). Receiving the plaque on behalf of Samar Colleges was Dr. Pedrito G. Padilla, Senior Vice President for Academic Programs, who represented SC during the awarding ceremony.

Equally noteworthy was the recognition accorded to Ms. Sheila Rose A. Nedera, who received a Plaque of Recognition for placing Top 3 nationwide in the February 2026 Criminology Licensure Examination. Her achievement holds particular significance as she became the first-ever topnotcher produced by Samar Colleges' Bachelor of Science in Criminology program.

The CHEDRO VIII Gawad Parangal 2026 forms part of the celebration of the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) 32nd Founding Anniversary and the 6th National Higher Education Day, anchored on this year's theme, "ACHIEVE-ing Knowledge Economy Together for a Future-Ready Bagong Pilipinas."

In his message, CHEDRO VIII Regional Director Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe underscored the significance of the recognition program in promoting excellence among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region.

"The Gawad Parangal 2026 is an annual recognition ceremony aimed at institutionalizing a culture of excellence among HEIs in Eastern Visayas. This occasion today recognizes institutions that have earned distinctions through reputable international university rankings, institutions implementing CHED-funded research projects that contribute to knowledge generation, innovation, and policy development, HEIs that have attained 100% COPC, institutional partners whose support has strengthened CHED programs and initiatives, and licensure examination topnotchers and top-performing schools whose achievements reflect academic rigor and institutional quality," Dr. Aljibe said.

The recognitions received by Samar Colleges underscore the institution's continuing pursuit of excellence in both institutional development and student achievement, reinforcing its commitment to produce globally competitive graduates and contribute to the advancement of higher education in the region and beyond.