State Universities & Colleges Under Board Chairmanship

As a Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III serves as the Chairperson of the governing Board of Regents/Trustees for select public higher education institutions, directing academic policies and digital investments.

EARIST Logo

Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology

Nagtahan St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Philippines

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1945

Student Population

19,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Adopt-a-Park Initiative: Uniting Community & Local Government
  • STRETCH Program
  • Special Opportunity Program (Vocational)
  • Technological Innovations
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Bukidnon State University

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1924

Student Population

22,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Smart BukSU Framework
  • College of Technologies Hub Network Integration
  • IP Education Integration
  • Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
  • Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL)
  • University Futures Thinking and Foresight Initiative
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Bulacan Agricultural State College

Pinaod, San Ildefonso, Bulacan

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1952

Student Population

7,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Project Yabong
  • Palayamanan Project
  • Women-Led Chemical Pesticide-Free Farming
  • Project GRACE
  • KuSiNeHo
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Philippine Merchant Marine Academy

PMMA Complex, Natividad, San Narciso

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1820

Student Population

800

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Academic and Training Integration
  • International Linkages
  • Industry and Technical Partnerships
  • Research & Publication Integration
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University of Rizal System

J.P. Rizal St., Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal

Board Chair

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.

Founded

2001

Student Population

30,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center
  • Gul.ai System Integration
  • Financial and Systems Management (GPC Program)
  • Workforce Readiness and Technical Integration
Board Chair

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.

Founded

1885

Student Population

8,100

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • DTI FabLab for MSMEs
  • DA-RFO III & BAI Partnership
  • Database Management for R&D (CLAARRDEC)
  • Global Academic and Research Networking
MarSU

Marinduque State University

Panfilo M. Manguera Sr. Road, Tanza, Boac, Marinduque

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1952

Student Population

10,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • I.D.E.A.L. Community & Sports Complex
  • DOST-PCAARRD Collaborations
  • Campus Digital Transformation
  • Global Ranking Alignment
  • Financial Empowerment & Leadership

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.

Founded

1995

Student Population

7,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Project SARAI Integration
  • Project RISER
  • DTI Shared Service Facility (SSF)
  • Institutional & Educational Integration
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Partido State University

San Juan Bautista, Goa, Camarines Sur

Board Chair

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.

Founded

2001

Student Population

2,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • HIKOT Project
  • CATCHFISH Project
  • Project PAG-IBIG
  • PhilFIDA & CHED Initiatives
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University of Antique

Mayor Santiago A. Lotilla Street, District 1, Sibalom, Antique

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1954

Student Population

25,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Space Technology & Data Access
  • DOST Innovation Hubs
  • Digital Classrooms
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Cultural Preservation
  • Campus & Global Expansion
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Northern Iloilo State University

V. Cudilla Sr. Ave, Estancia, Iloilo

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1956

Student Population

13,600

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Web3-Powered e-Credentials
  • DOST Fish Processing Facility
  • Carles Campus Expansion
  • Digital Information Management (DIM)
  • CHED RAISE 2026 Co-hosting
  • International Linkages
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Siquijor State College

North Poblacion, Larena, Siquijor

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1920

Student Population

4,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • SiquiScan Project
  • Sustainable Energy Collaboration
  • Institutional Infrastructure
  • Environmental & Community Extension
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Northwest Samar State University

Rueda Street, Calbayog, Samar

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1959

Student Population

8,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Digital Fabrication Laboratory
  • Calbayog Smart City Project
  • Flood Guard Calbayog
  • Institutional & Research Upgrades
  • Local Governance Support
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Eastern Samar State University

Brgy. Maypangdan, Borongan, Eastern Samar

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1959

Student Population

25,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • College of Medicine Launch
  • Infrastructure & Safety Upgrades
  • Global Internships
  • Smart DRR Collaboration
EVSU Logo

Eastern Visayas State University

Archbishop Lino R. Gonzaga Avenue, Tacloban City

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1907

Student Population

24,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • EVSU Smart Campus
  • Innovation & Research Hubs
  • MSME Empowerment
  • Disaster Resilience and Climate Action (NURCA)
  • Cloud and Extension Services
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J.H. Cerilles State College

Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur

Board Chair

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.

Founded

2001

Student Population

11,200

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • I.T. Academic Building
  • Comprehensive Development Planning (CDP)
  • TABANG Extension Program
  • Campus Master Plan Upgrades
Board Chair

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.

Founded

1957

Student Population

3,800

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Smart Campus and Agri-Tech Initiatives
  • Institutional Partnerships
  • Research and Extension Services
  • Community Aid and Production
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Davao del Norte State College

New Visayas, Panabo City, Davao del Norte

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1995

Student Population

8,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Strategic Development Plan (2025–2029)
  • Sustainability & Green Initiatives
  • Community and Student Welfare
  • Income-Generating & Auxiliary Hubs
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Davao Oriental State University

Guang-guang, Dahican, City of Mati, Davao Oriental

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1989

Student Population

17,300

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Biodiversity-Responsive Planning
  • Project MAGDAYA & Project SERVICE
  • Hydroponics Greenhouse
  • Global & Tech Integration
Board Chair

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.

Founded

1967

Student Population

7,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Campus Infrastructure
  • Custodial Care Program (CCP)
  • Production Services
  • Strategic Partnerships
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Cotabato State University

Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights IV, Cotabato City

Board Chair

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.

Founded

2018

Student Population

25,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Research & Technology Integration
  • Peace & Heritage Education
  • Community & Cooperative Empowerment
  • Institutional Modernization
  • Educational Adaptability
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Mountain Province State University

Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province

Board Chair

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.

Founded

1969

Student Population

7,000

Key Chairmanship Focus Areas

  • Mountain Province Climate Field School
  • ClimaPestDetect
  • Espresso & Stories Coffee Library and Museum
  • International & Academic Linkages