EXECUTIVE Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced on Thursday (29 May 2025) that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has accepted the courtesy resignation of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Prospero De Vera III.

Bersamin revealed during a press briefing that CHED Commissioner Shirley Agrupis, a former president of Mariano Marcos State University in Ilocos Norte, will succeed De Vera as the new CHED chairperson.

De Vera had been leading CHED since 2018, serving two terms before submitting his courtesy resignation, which the President accepted.

“Although this is not the official reason, CHED Chair De Vera has already served two terms. Perhaps the President wants to bring a fresh perspective to the Commission on Higher Education,” Bersamin explained in a mix of English and Filipino.

In a statement, De Vera expressed his respect for the President’s decision and gratitude for the trust and opportunity to advance educational reforms during his tenure.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the Filipino people and to help aspiring young Filipinos achieve their dreams of completing their university education through the Universal Access to Quality Education Law (RA 10931),” De Vera said.

He also acknowledged the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues within CHED and the wider higher education community to promote access, equity, and quality in Philippine higher education.

De Vera extended his congratulations to Shirley Agrupis on her appointment as the new CHED chairperson.