🇵🇭🎓 Leadership Shift at CHED: Dr. Shirley Agrupis Steps In as New Chairperson Amid Cabinet Reshuffle
In a bold move to reshape national leadership, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis as the new Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), officially replacing J. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III. This announcement, made by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 29, 2025, follows De Vera’s courtesy resignation, which was formally accepted by Malacañang as part of a sweeping Cabinet reset.
🔄 A Political Recalibration Following Midterm Defeat
This leadership overhaul stems from President Marcos Jr.’s May 22 directive urging all Cabinet secretaries to submit their resignations, described by the Palace as a “reset” after the disappointing performance of administration-backed candidates in the May 12 midterm elections. The President, determined to reinvigorate his Cabinet, swiftly began replacing key officials to align with his administration’s forward-looking vision.
🎓 Meet the New CHED Chairperson: Dr. Shirley Agrupis
Dr. Shirley Agrupis is no stranger to academic leadership. A proud daughter of Ilocos Norte, she served as President of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) from 2017 to 2021 and was re-elected for another term, earning widespread respect for her institutional reforms and international partnerships. In 2024, she was appointed CHED Commissioner, a stepping stone that would lead to her latest role as chairperson.
Her academic credentials are formidable: a PhD in Agricultural Sciences from Japan’s United Graduate School of Agricultural Science (a partnership between Gifu and Shizuoka Universities), a master’s degree from UP Los Baños, and a bachelor's degree in biology from MMSU. Dr. Agrupis’s extensive background in both teaching and policy gives her a strong foundation to lead CHED into a new era.
📜 The Exit of De Vera: A Statement of Gratitude and Legacy
After nearly seven years at CHED’s helm, Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III stepped down with dignity and appreciation. In a formal statement released on May 29, De Vera reflected on his service and legacy:
“While I have a term of office until July 2026, I submitted my courtesy resignation pursuant to the instructions of the President. I respect the President’s decision and thank him for the trust and the opportunity to continue with the educational reforms in higher education that I started when I was appointed Commissioner in 2016, Chairman in 2018, and under his administration.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the Filipino people and to give an opportunity to every aspiring young Filipino to achieve his/her dream of completing their university education through the Universal Access to Quality Education law (RA 10931). It has also been a privilege to work with committed colleagues in CHED and across the higher education sector to promote access, equity, and quality in Philippine higher education.
I extend my warm congratulations to Commissioner Shirley Agrupis on her designation as the new Chairperson of CHED.
As I step down from this post, I do so with gratitude and pride in what we have achieved together, and I remain committed to supporting the nation’s educational goals in any way I can.”
His legacy includes the successful implementation of RA 10931, which paved the way for free tuition in state universities and colleges, a reform that opened doors for countless Filipino students.
🚀 CHED’s Next Chapter Under Dr. Agrupis
With Dr. Agrupis now at the helm, CHED is poised to push forward in boosting academic excellence, digital transformation, and global competitiveness. Her regional roots and deep academic insight make her a symbol of inclusive education leadership, and her agenda is expected to prioritize research development, access to education in rural areas, and international academic cooperation.
While the departure of De Vera closes a meaningful chapter, the arrival of Agrupis ushers in a fresh narrative for Philippine higher education—one marked by resilience, innovation, and empowerment.
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