Installation of Officers & Board of Trustees 2024-2026

PACU conducts installation of its officers, Board of Trustees at Manila Hotel

The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) held the installation of PACU officers and the Board of Trustees for the academic years 2024-2026 on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Champagne Salon, Manila Hotel in Ermita, Manila.  

The event started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem and an invocation led by a student from the Philippine Women’s University School of Music, Ms. Faith G. Losito, with accompaniment from Assistant Professor Christopher G. Borela.     

In his welcome remarks, Former PACU President and Cebu Institute of Technology University President, Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the various committees that served throughout the academic years 2022–2024 for their hard work and shared commitment to strengthening the quality of the Philippine education system. 

Additionally, he affirmed the association’s full support for its new set of officers and Board of Trustees. “There will be trials. There will be surprises. But the good thing is, behind all of these, all of these presidents will support you all the way.”

One of the key moments of the occasion was when former PACU President Engr. Villamor handed the PACU flag to Mr. Marco Alfredo M. Benitez, the new PACU President and President of the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), marking the transition of leadership in PACU.  

Honorable Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), served as the distinguished guest of honor and the inducting officer at the event. He highlighted in his speech how crucial it is to uphold the public-private sector’s complementarity in delivering “quality and relevant education.” 

He also shared that TESDA is working with the Department of Education (DepEd) to update the Senior High School curriculum to better prepare skilled individuals for national growth. Furthermore, TESDA collaborates with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to improve the ladderization of the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses into degree programs.

TESDA Director General Benitez wrapped up his message by extending his support and encouragement to the new officers and Board of Trustees of PACU. “Let us continue to work together to do more, to do better for our nation. Maraming hamon. Pero kapag tulong-tulong, sabay-sabay tayo susulong. Dahil, sabi nga namin sa TESDA, basta’t sama-sama, sa TESDA, Kayang Kaya!” 

(There are numerous challenges ahead. However, by supporting one another, we can progress together. As we often say in TESDA, united with TESDA, we can achieve our goals!) 

Dr. Kiko, the inducting officer, conducted the official installation and induction of the PACU officers and board of trustees representing the National Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao following his speech. 

Several government officials from the education sector, including DepEd Secretary Honorable Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Honorable Roman T. Romulo, Chairperson of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, Honorable Mark O. Go, Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, and CHED Chairperson Prospero E. De Vera III, congratulated the newly installed PACU officers and board of trustees and expressed confidence in their leadership through a written or recorded video message. 

Jose Rizal University President, Dr. Vicente K. Fabella, initiated the wine toast for the new PACU President, Mr. Marco Alfredo M. Benitez, who subsequently gave his speech. 

In his message, PACU President Marco extended his gratitude to the event’s guest of honor, TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez, and other colleagues in the education sector for dedicating their time to attend this important event. He also conveyed his sincere appreciation to his fellow Board members and the entire PACU community for their trust in him and the newly installed officers. 

He acknowledged the former presidents and officers of PACU, whose insights, guidance, and steadfast dedication to the organization’s values and standards consistently inspire the new officers as they face upcoming challenges. 

He pointed out major issues in the Philippine education system, noting poor student performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) for reading, math, and science, revealing significant systemic gaps that require immediate attention. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) reports a critical lack of textbooks, poor facilities, and insufficient qualified teachers, which aggravates the learning crisis. Additionally, external challenges such as geopolitical conflicts, economic instability, and rapidly evolving technology pose significant threats to the education sector.

In light of this, the newly installed PACU President emphasized the organization’s role and presented key initiatives to tackle current challenges. These efforts involve ongoing dialogue with policymakers to foster a balanced regulatory framework and highlight the significance of private education in national development. Additionally, there will be a focus on enhancing partnerships with similar organizations to strengthen efforts in addressing educational issues. Finally, the President aims to support programs that encourage financial and operational resilience, enabling member institutions to effectively manage uncertainties.

He further expressed his deepest gratitude to the PACU Secretariat, the PACU Legal Team, and his PWU family, who organized the occasion, for their tremendous support and strong commitment to their shared mission.

PACU President Marco urged his fellow colleagues, including the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, to continue their dedication to serving the broader PACU community. “Let’s continue to approach this responsibility with humility, courage, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we can continue to uphold the ideals of PACU and ensure that private education continues to thrive, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s future.”

The event concluded with a photo opportunity. Dr. Mark Harvey Adamson, Program Chair of the PWU School of Pharmacy, hosted the gathering.