Commissioner Apag's directives operate under a pledge of strategic reform, educational excellence, and institutional commitment.
Initiateeducational reforms
Nurturelearning institutions
Supportacademic programs and projects
Performoffice mandate
Innovatethe learning landscape
Respondto knowledge challenges
Engageglobally in academia
“Welcome to the official website of the Office of Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III. As we navigate the demands of a rapidly changing global economy, our office is dedicated to bridging the gap between technological innovation and academic quality. Through active governance, curriculum modernization, and campus digitalization, we are empowering Philippine State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to become beacons of smart development and high-impact research. We invite students, faculty, and institutional partners to collaborate with us in building a future-ready nation.”
DESIDERIO R. APAG III, PCpE, D.Eng., ASEAN Eng.
Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
Our in-house developed systems (SPISys, TAS, e-Agenda, Document Registry) form the technological backbone of the Office of Commissioner Apag. This portrait audio-visual presentation outlines the core design philosophies, development pipelines, and live analytics dashboards deployed to empower Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the nation.
Modernizing Education, In One Place
Designed for every SUC and academic stakeholder — simple, secure, and accessible on any device.
Accelerating the digital modernization of SUCs through high-speed campus networks, cloud-based learning systems, and AI-enabled classrooms.
Redesigning engineering, computing, and technology programs to align with global industry standards in automation, IoT, and artificial intelligence.
Fostering cross-border academic exchanges, joint research projects, and global accreditations to elevate Philippine higher education.
Strengthening board governance, transparency, and strategic administrative planning across SUCs.
Funding next-generation research in SUC laboratories for automation, mechatronics, and artificial intelligence.
Implementing blockchain-based digital diplomas and transcripts in SUCs for secure, instant graduate verification.
Latest News & Public Updates
For decades, nations measured strength by the size of their factories and the cost of their labor. Today, the world is being reshaped by those who can design chips, build intelligent systems, generate knowledge, and lead innovation.
The Philippine Technological Council (PTC) proudly hosted the ASEAN Engineers Conferment Ceremony, held in Wyndham Gardens Hotel in Alkhuwair Muscat, is a landmark event recognizing distinguished engineers across the ASEAN region.
Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) sent a delegation to the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) yesterday, May 26, to study best practices as the state university moves closer to establishing a maritime degree program at its Guiuan Campus.
Chaired State Universities & Colleges
Commissioner Apag presides as Chairperson of the Board of Regents / Trustees for leading state-funded educational institutions.
Nagtahan St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Philippines
The Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) is a chartered state college in Manila, Philippines. Established in 1945, it specializes in vocational, technical, and scientific education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs across fields like engineering, industrial technology, architecture, arts, and sciences.
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines
Bukidnon State University (BukSU) is a prominent public higher education institution in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines. Established in 1924, it evolved from a high school for training elementary teachers into a premier university providing advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction across seven colleges.
Pinaod, San Ildefonso, Bulacan
The Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), located in Pinaod, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, is the only state-run agricultural higher education institution in the province. Established in 1952, BASC focuses on agriculture, veterinary medicine, management, and allied disciplines, serving as a primary educational anchor for underserved communities in Central Luzon.
PMMA Complex, Natividad, San Narciso
The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is the premier state-run maritime institution in the Philippines, located in San Narciso, Zambales. Established in 1820, it is one of the oldest nautical schools in Asia. It trains midshipmen to become globally competitive merchant marine officers, naval officers, and maritime executives.
J.P. Rizal St., Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal
The University of Rizal System (URS) is a premier, multi-campus public state university in the Philippines. Established in 2001, it operates ten campuses across the Province of Rizal, with its main headquarters located in Tanay. URS offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and technical programs.
PAC, Magalang, Pampanga
Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) is a premier state-owned higher education institution located at the western slope of Mt. Arayat in Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines. Originally established in 1885, it offers a variety of curricular programs focusing on agriculture, forestry, engineering, education, and business.
Panfilo M. Manguera Sr. Road, Tanza, Boac, Marinduque
Marinduque State University (MarSU) is the premier public higher education institution in the province of Marinduque, Philippines. It operates five campuses across the province, with its main headquarters in the capital town of Boac.MarSU was originally founded in 1952 as the Marinduque School of Arts and Trades, and achieved full university status in 2019. The university is mandated to provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction, and training in various fields, including education, agriculture, engineering, arts and sciences, business, and health sciences.
Cabitan, Mandaon, Masbate
The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) is the lone state college in the province of Masbate, headquartered in Cabitan, Mandaon, with an additional satellite site in Cawayan. Established in 1952, it offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs—spanning agriculture, engineering, education, and technology.
San Juan Bautista, Goa, Camarines Sur
Partido State University (ParSU) is a regional state higher education institution in Camarines Sur, Philippines. Established in 2001 via Republic Act No. 9029, it operates across seven campuses in the Partido District, offering undergraduate and graduate programs focused on regional development, agriculture, environmental science, and business.
Mayor Santiago A. Lotilla Street, District 1, Sibalom, Antique
The University of Antique (UA) is a prominent state university in the Philippines, located primarily in Sibalom, Antique. Established in 1954, it has grown into the largest state university in Region VI, offering diverse, accessible programs in technology, arts, maritime studies, engineering, and education across multiple campuses.
V. Cudilla Sr. Ave, Estancia, Iloilo
Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) is a prominent public state university in the Philippines, with its main campus located in Estancia, Iloilo. Established in 2022 by integrating seven satellite campuses across the 5th district of Iloilo, NISU provides accessible and affordable higher education focusing on agriculture, fishery, engineering, education, and industrial technology.
North Poblacion, Larena, Siquijor
Siquijor State College (SSC) is the only public higher education institution in the Province of Siquijor. Established as Larena High School in 1920 and converted into a state college in 1995, SSC has grown into a leading institution committed to providing quality higher and technical-vocational education. Guided by its core functions of instruction, research, extension, and production, the college plays a vital role in developing competent professionals and promoting sustainable local and regional development. SSC offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as education, business, technology, engineering, criminology, and the arts and sciences. Through strong community partnerships, research initiatives, and extension programs, the college continues to enhance academic excellence, innovation, and public service while contributing to the socio-economic progress of Siquijor and the surrounding region.
Rueda Street, Calbayog, Samar
Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) is a public institution in Calbayog City, Eastern Visayas, with an extension campus in San Jorge. Established in 1959, it offers 43 degree programs and features strong engineering and technology disciplines. Its board performance for first-time engineering takers consistently outpaces the national average.
Brgy. Maypangdan, Borongan, Eastern Samar
Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) is a premier public higher education institution in the Philippines, with its main campus in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Founded in 1960, it offers comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, including the province's first College of Medicine, established in 2026.
Archbishop Lino R. Gonzaga Avenue, Tacloban City
Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) is the oldest higher educational institution in the Eastern Visayas region, located primarily in Tacloban City, Philippines. Tracing its roots to 1907, it is a premier public state university renowned for its strong technological, engineering, and industrial education programs.
Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur
J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC), formerly Josefina H. Cerilles Polytechnic College, is a public higher education institution in Zamboanga del Sur. Following the passage of Republic Act No. 12295, the institution was elevated into a state university, now known as the Zamboanga del Sur State University (ZDSSU). The institution operates multiple campuses across Zamboanga del Sur, with its main campus in Barangay Mati, San Miguel, and satellite campuses in Dumingag, Lakewood, and Pagadian City.
Nalil, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College (TTRAC), situated on a sprawling 1,000+ hectare campus in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, is the premier agricultural institution in the province. Established initially in 1957 as the Sulu National Regional Agricultural School, it was converted into a state college in 1983.The institution focuses on providing professional, technical, and special training in agriculture, allied sciences, and teacher education. Due to its strategic location in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), TTRAC's research and extension programs strongly emphasize coastal resource management, sustainable local farming, and marine sciences.
New Visayas, Panabo City, Davao del Norte
Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) is a public higher education institution located in New Visayas, Panabo City, Philippines. Established in 1995, it specializes in agriculture, fisheries, marine biology, and socio-cultural development. DNSC consistently ranks among the top state colleges in the Davao Region.
Guang-guang, Dahican, City of Mati, Davao Oriental
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) is a public state university located in Mati City, Davao Oriental, and serves as the premier higher education institution in the province. Established as a state university through Republic Act No. 11033 in 2018, DOrSU evolved from the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST). The university is committed to providing quality instruction, advancing research and innovation, and delivering responsive extension services that contribute to sustainable regional and national development. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, engineering, education, business, information technology, environmental sciences, fisheries, and other allied disciplines. Through its dedication to academic excellence, community engagement, and quality assurance, DOrSU continues to produce competent, innovative, and socially responsible graduates who contribute to the socio-economic development of Davao Oriental and the Philippines.
Doroluman, Arakan, Cotabato
Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST) is a public state college located in Doroluman, Arakan, Cotabato. Established through Republic Act No. 10524 in 2013, the institution evolved from the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology, Inc. and became a state college to expand access to quality higher education in the province. CFCST is committed to excellence in instruction, research, extension, and production, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, education, engineering, information technology, business, forestry, and other allied disciplines. Through its dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, the college continues to produce competent, ethical, and socially responsible graduates who contribute to the sustainable development of Cotabato and the Bangsamoro and SOCCSKSARGEN regions.
Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights IV, Cotabato City
Cotabato State University (CotSU) is a public state university located in Cotabato City and is one of the leading higher education institutions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Established as a state university through Republic Act No. 11068 in 2018, CotSU evolved from Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC). The university is committed to providing quality instruction, advancing research and innovation, and delivering responsive extension services that support sustainable development. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, CotSU continues to produce competent, innovative, and socially responsible graduates who contribute to the socio-economic development of BARMM and the Philippines.
Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province
Mountain Province State University (MPSU) is the only public higher education institution in Mountain Province, Philippines, with campuses in Bontoc and Tadian. Established in 1969 as a community college, it transitioned to a university in 2024. It provides undergraduate and graduate instruction focused on agriculture, education, engineering, and arts. Mountain Province State University (MPSU) is a public state university located in Bontoc, Mountain Province, serving as the premier higher education institution in the province and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Established as a state university through Republic Act No. 10583 in 2013, MPSU evolved from the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC). The university is committed to providing quality instruction, advancing research and innovation, and delivering responsive extension services that promote sustainable development. Offering undergraduate and graduate programs in education, agriculture, engineering, information technology, business, hospitality management, and other allied disciplines, MPSU continues to produce competent, innovative, and socially responsible graduates who contribute to the development of Mountain Province and the Philippines.
