Cebu Technological University extends its warmest congratulations to the esteemed Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela on her recent appointment as Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), following her appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on April 18, 2024.
Dr. Valenzuela brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her new role, with an impressive educational background including a Doctor of Philosophy in Education major in Educational Management from De La Salle University in Manila, a Master of Arts in Education from Philippine Normal University in Manila, and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Divine Word College of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.
With over three decades of dedicated service in education policy reform both domestically and internationally, Dr. Valenzuela has been instrumental in driving positive change within the Philippine education landscape. Her extensive track record includes leadership roles in various capacities, notably as Deputy Chief of Party-Technical for the USAid Upskill Program in the Philippines, where she spearheaded critical initiatives aimed at enhancing higher education capacity, policy reform, and sector governance in collaboration with CHEd and other government agencies.
Notably, Dr. Valenzuela’s contributions extend beyond the Philippines, having served as Education Advisor of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat and as the first woman director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat, based in Bangkok. Her international engagements underscore her commitment to fostering collaboration and driving innovation in education across borders.
During her tenure at CHED, spanning over a decade, Dr. Valenzuela played a pivotal role in shaping policies, standards, and guidelines pertaining to international linkages, distance education, and inclusive student support services, further solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the field of higher education.
Moreover, Dr. Valenzuela’s involvement in numerous international and local educational research and training projects with esteemed organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, UNICEF, ASEAN, UNESCO, and USAID underscores her dedication to advancing educational opportunities and standards on a global scale.
In addition to her illustrious career in policy-making and program implementation, Dr. Valenzuela also serves as a professorial lecturer in the Department of Education (DepEd), Leadership, and Professional Services within the College of Education at the University of the Philippines Diliman, further enriching the academic community with her expertise and insights.
As an institution committed to academic excellence and innovation, CTU eagerly anticipates collaborating with Commissioner Valenzuela in realizing a shared vision of a dynamic and responsive higher education sector. Driven by a mutual dedication to transformative change, we look forward to the valuable contributions Dr. Valenzuela will undoubtedly make in shaping the future of higher education in the Philippines. l Almie Mata