By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region held its turnover ceremony on November 14, 2025, with Outgoing Regional Director Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes formally passing on the leadership to Incoming OIC Regional Director Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon.

In his message, Dr. Catanes outlined the remaining targets that the Regional Office must accomplish before the year ends, emphasizing continuity and sustained progress in the delivery of CHED’s mandates. As he moves forward, Dr. Catanes has been designated to lead the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) at the CHED Central Office—an office responsible for enhancing program quality and standards, developing policy guidelines, and ensuring transparency and integrity in the formulation and enforcement of PSGs. His extensive experience leading the MIMAROPA, NCR, and CAR regional offices has equipped him well for this crucial national role.

Meanwhile, the Regional Office warmly welcomes Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon as the new OIC Regional Director of CHED–CAR. Dr. Ngohayon shared that CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis has given him her full support and tasked him to advance the CHED ACHIEVE agenda. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Hiroshima University and previously served as the first University President of Ifugao State University (IFSU), where he spearheaded major reforms. A respected educator, he has authored several works on Cordillera indigenous knowledge and served as a key contributor to the Cordillera Heritage 101 Workbook (CORDI 101). He is currently Professor VI at Ifugao State University, bringing with him a wealth of academic, cultural, and administrative expertise.

Dr. Ngohayon will officially assume office on Monday, November 17, 2025.