Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III

21/08/2026

19/08/2026

𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡! 🎓🇵🇭

𝗣𝗛𝗣 𝟵.𝟳𝟱 𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗗. 𝟯 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗗. 𝟭𝟬𝟴 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released Php 9.75 billion to CHED to cover validated funding deficiencies of 108 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) under the Free Higher Education Program, covering Academic Years 2022–2023, 2023–2024, and 2024–2025.

This is more than settling obligations on paper. It means stronger financial support for our state universities and colleges, giving them greater room to focus their resources on classrooms, laboratories, academic programs, student services, and other priorities that directly benefit Filipino learners.

Under the leadership of Acting Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon, the DBM continues to push for a government where public funds do not simply get allocated—they reach institutions, strengthen public services, and deliver results that people can actually feel.

Nearly Php 10 billion. 108 SUCs. Three academic years addressed. One clear priority: invest in the future of Filipino students.

Because when we strengthen our state universities and colleges, we strengthen the future of the country. 🇵🇭

Read more: bit.ly/45vP4Bq

13/08/2026

11/08/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖: The URS family gathers to honor our past and celebrate our future at the 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲!

Here are a few live snapshots from today's festivities.

Happy Silver Jubilee, URS!

10/08/2026

𝐁𝐮𝐤𝐒𝐔 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬

Learning reaches new heights at BukSU as the university inaugurates six Smart Learning Spaces, or Smart Classrooms, and the Lecture Theater to support face-to-face, online, and hybrid instruction.

The inauguration covered the Smart Learning Spaces for the College of Technologies, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Public Administration and Governance, and College of Medicine.

Full story: https://buksu.edu.ph/2026/08/06/buksu-expands-digital-learning-with-new-smart-classrooms/

03/08/2026

𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝

LOOK: Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III delivered an inspiring message to the Graduating Class of 2026 of Tarlac State University, reminding them that graduation marks not an ending, but the beginning of a new journey filled with possibilities, challenges, and opportunities to grow.

Drawing inspiration from the journey of an eagle learning to fly, Commissioner Apag likened the university to a nest, a place where graduates were nurtured, challenged, and prepared to discover their potential. But just as an eagle must eventually leave the nest to discover the strength of its wings, graduates must also find the courage to step beyond what is familiar and face the open sky.

Commissioner Apag acknowledged the sacrifices, uncertainties, and challenges that shaped the graduates' journey. From sleepless nights and academic pressures to personal struggles and financial hardships, every experience contributed to the resilience that brought them to this milestone.

As they enter a changing world shaped by technology, competition, and new opportunities, Commissioner Apag reminded the graduates that rejection and uncertainty are not signs of failure. Every career has a beginning, and the greatest lessons often come through the challenges, mistakes, and opportunities encountered beyond the classroom.

He likewise encouraged the graduates not to measure their success against the timelines of others. True success is not defined by who gets hired first, earns the highest salary, or reaches milestones the fastest. Instead, they were reminded to trust the process, continue preparing themselves, and build not only successful careers but also meaningful lives.

Commissioner Apag emphasized that while academic excellence may open doors, it is character that keeps those doors open. Wherever their careers may take them, he urged the graduates to use their knowledge and opportunities to create solutions, open doors for others, and leave a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

He also recognized the parents and families whose sacrifices made this milestone possible, as well as the administration, faculty, staff, and university community of Tarlac State University for their commitment to shaping not only competent graduates but also responsible citizens.

Above all, Commissioner Apag reminded the graduates to remain humble, trust in God, remember those who helped them along the way, and lift others as they rise. As he emphasized, being blessed with opportunities also means becoming a source of opportunity for others.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to leave their “nest,” Commissioner Apag left them with a message of confidence and hope: Tarlac State University believes in their talent, their character, and their potential to make a difference. The best chapters of their lives, he reminded them, are still waiting to be written.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! May you have the courage to spread your wings, the wisdom to navigate the open sky, and the heart to use your success in service of others.

02/08/2026

𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚: 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞

LOOK: Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III delivered an inspiring message to the Graduating Class of 2026 of Bataan Peninsula State University, reminding them that graduation is not the end of education, but the beginning of a lifetime of learning, growth, and service.

Commissioner Apag challenged the graduates to reflect on one important question: What is the most expensive mistake an educated person can make? He shared that it is believing that education is proof that one is already educated. For him, true education extends far beyond classrooms, grades, and diplomas; it is continuously shaped by life's experiences, challenges, relationships, and the choices we make.

He also reminded the graduates that while technology and Artificial Intelligence can make them more efficient, they cannot replace integrity, character, and ethical judgment. As they enter a rapidly changing world, he encouraged them to remain curious, humble, and courageous enough to keep learning.

Drawing inspiration from the simple image of a candle, Commissioner Apag emphasized that education finds its greatest value when knowledge, kindness, and integrity are used to bring light to the lives of others. True success, he stressed, is not simply about titles, recognition, or achievements, but about becoming useful, serving others, and making a meaningful difference in one's community.

Commissioner Apag likewise recognized the parents and families, as well as the Board of Regents, administrators, faculty, staff, and officials of Bataan Peninsula State University, whose collective efforts continue to shape competent professionals and responsible citizens.

As BPSU celebrates its achievements, including the establishment of the first College of Medicine in the Province of Bataan, Commissioner Apag reaffirmed CHED's commitment to supporting the university in creating greater opportunities for learners and in producing more professionals and leaders who will serve the nation.

Carrying the theme, “ACHIEVE: Excellence Beyond Graduation, Service Beyond Self,” Commissioner Apag left the Class of 2026 with a lasting reminder: excellence should become a daily habit, service should become a motivation, and education should be revealed through the way we live, serve, and uplift others.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! May your education become a lifelong journey of excellence, integrity, compassion, and service.

24/07/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫. Shirley C. Agrupis!

On this special day, we honor not only your life but also your remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing Philippine higher education. Your vision, dedication, and commitment to excellence have guided the Commission on Higher Education toward meaningful progress, expanding opportunities for our higher education institutions and creating a lasting impact on the lives of the nation's learners.

Thanks to your leadership, we continue to achieve significant milestones, strengthen our shared purpose, and uphold the highest standards of quality and innovation in higher education. Your integrity, wisdom, and compassion serve as a constant source of inspiration to the entire academic community.

May this birthday be a joyful celebration of the many lives you have touched and the legacy you continue to build. May God bless you with continued good health, wisdom, strength, and abundant grace as you lead with excellence and purpose in the years ahead.

Warmest birthday greetings and best wishes from the Office of Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III.

23/07/2026

22/07/2026

Congratulations, Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, on your well-deserved reappointment as CHED Chairperson.

Your steadfast leadership continues to inspire excellence in Philippine higher education.

Mabuhay po kayo!