The Commission on Higher Education MIMAROPA Region is very proud of two leaders hailed from the region as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr appointed Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela as Commissioner last April 18, 2024 and Atty. Jerome Christopher G. Leynes as Director IV of the Legal and Legislative Service on April 3, 2024. Both newly appointed officials of CHED originated from Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
Dr. Valenzuela is a renowned educator with a humble beginning as a classroom teacher to becoming the first female director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Education major in Educational Management at the De La Salle University in Manila, Master of Arts in Education at Philippine Normal University in Manila, and Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education at the Divine Word College of Calapan in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
With over 30 years of expertise in education policy reform in the Philippines and internationally, Dr. Valenzuela is a skilled education and research specialist. Additionally, she brings to Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) greater access to teacher training and standards as a result of her extensive involvement in donor-funded education programming across Southeast Asia.
Another MIMAROPAn, Atty. Leynes, served as Calapan City Administrator under Mayor Salvador “Doy” Leachon, and had been Leachon’s chief of staff when he became Oriental Mindoro representative. He earned his law degree from San Beda College in Manila and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Saint Augustine Seminary in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. He has extensive experience in litigation.
The CHED MIMAROPA Regional Office is truly proud and excited to work with the two leaders whose appointments are not only testaments to their exemplary qualifications but also sources of immense pride for all MIMAROPANs.
Their extensive experience and expertise will undoubtedly be instrumental in advancing the Commission’s shared goals of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive development.” Dahil galing MIMAROPA, may galing MIMAROPA,” CHEDRO MIMAROPA proudly exclaims.
