After nearly seven years of service, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III has officially stepped down from his post, following the acceptance of his courtesy resignation by President Marcos.
Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
De Vera leaves CHED, vows continued support for Philippine education
Philippines
National
De Vera leaves CHED, vows continued support for Philippine education
De Vera leaves CHED, vows continued support for Philippine education
Commissioner Shirley Agrupis named new CHED chairperson
Published May 29, 2025 03:57 pm
Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III bids farewell with “gratitude and pride” following his resignation as CHED chairman. (CHED file photo)
In a statement released on Thursday, May 29, de Vera expressed his respect for the President’s decision to end his term early.
Although his official term was set to run until July 2026, de Vera submitted his resignation in line with the President’s directive.
“I respect the President’s decision and thank him for the trust and the opportunity to continue the educational reforms in higher education that I began when I was appointed Commissioner in 2016, Chairman in 2018, and under his administration,” de Vera said.
Honor of a lifetime
De Vera, who began his service at CHED in 2016 as Commissioner and was appointed Chairman in 2018, has been a key figure in implementing major reforms in Philippine higher education.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the Filipino people and to give every aspiring young Filipino the opportunity to achieve his or her dream of completing a university education through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931),” de Vera said.
Under RA 10931, students enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and government-run technical-vocational institutions receive free tuition and other school-related fees.
De Vera also expressed deep appreciation for his colleagues at CHED and across the higher education sector, acknowledging their dedication to promoting access, equity, and quality education nationwide.
“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,” he added.
New CHED Chairperson
De Vera extended his congratulations to Commissioner Shirley Agrupis, who has been designated as the new CHED Chairperson.
“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,” de Vera said.