By Paula Marie D. Navarra
MANILA, (PNA) — Two new commissioners for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) were appointed by President Benigno Aquino III, the commission said on Thursday.
Dr. Minella C. Alarcon and Dr. Alex B. Brillante Jr. will replace Dr. Nenalyn P. Defensor and Dr. Nona S. Ricafort in their positions, Defensor and Ricafort will step down on July 21, 2017.
“Dr. Minella C. Alarcon has a Ph.D. and B.S. in Physics from the University of the Philippines, Diliman and an M.S. in Physics from the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU),” CHED said in a statement.
Alarcon was a former Science Programme Specialist in the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta.
“She worked in the Science and Technology Education and Technical Capacity-Building until she retired in 2010,” it added.
“Her extensive background and experience will assist CHED in its efforts to develop S&T programs necessary to produce technologically-oriented professionals and increase the research and development capacity of Philippine higher education institutions in anticipation of ASEAN 2015,” chairperson Patricia Licuanan stressed.
Dr. Alex B. Brillantes is a former dean of the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance.
“He obtained his Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Hawaii and his B.A. in Political Science and M.A. in Public Administration from the U.P. Diliman,” the commission said.
“Having served in various government and non-government posts, Dr. Brillantes brings to CHED his proven track record in networking with local and national government, as well as academic and professional organizations,” it added.
According to Licuanan, he will be instrumental in overseeing the alignment of state universities and colleges through the Public Higher Education Roadmap.