Academic Leaders Launch the Country’s First Council of Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs

Manila, Philippines - June 04, 2026 - The launch of the Philippine Executive Council of Academic Affairs (PECAA) was successfully held during PECAA’s 1st General Assembly held from May 28 to 29, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The two-day gathering was held to formally establish the council’s foundational direction, governance frameworks, and strategic priorities.

PECAA, a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered, non-profit and non-partisan association, envisions becoming an academic association among VPAAs that promotes professional engagement and collaboration to better support schools, government, and relevant industries in advancing education reforms in the Philippines. Anchored on this emerging vision, the council seeks to foster academic excellence, transformative leadership, policy alignment, innovation, and future-ready learning ecosystems responsive to the evolving demands of higher education.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Michelle Aguilar Ong, DPA, welcomed the establishment of PECAA, calling it “an important beginning” and noting that vice presidents for academic affairs have long lacked a dedicated platform for collaboration.

“For VPAAs who carry such a central responsibility in our institutions, there has been no similar space where you can come together, speak honestly about the work, and help one another be better,” Ong said.

“We recognize that the future of higher education requires stronger collaboration among academic leaders, institutions, and industry partners,” said PECAA President Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado. “As the country’s first council for VPAAs, PECAA provides a platform for academic leaders to share best practices, exchange solutions, and collaborate on initiatives that support institutional development, academic quality, and student success.”

A ceremonial induction of PECAA’s founding officers was also held, representing higher education institutions from across the country. Serving as Chairman of the Board is Dr. Conrado E. Iñigo Jr. of the University of the Visayas. Elected to lead the council were Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado of the University of Mindanao as President and Dr. Trixie Marie Sison of Miriam College as Executive Vice President. Joining them in the inaugural leadership team are Dr. Alma Emerita Dela Cruz of Far Eastern University Roosevelt, Vice President for Policy and Advocacy; Dr. Yolanda Sayson of the University of Cebu, Vice President for Internal Affairs; Dr. Teresa Fabiana of Holy Cross of Davao College, Vice President for External Affairs; Dr. Wilfredo Israel Jr. of St. Scholastica’s College–Tacloban, Auditor; Dr. Ma. Cristina Estioco of World Citi Colleges, Committee Chair for Press and Public Relations; Dr. Lilibeth Sabino of Mapúa University, Committee Chair for Finance; Dr. Anna Lou Cabuenas of the University of the Visayas, Committee Chair for Recruitment, Membership and Election; Dr. Ana Julia Enero of San Pedro College, Committee Chair for Professional Training and Development; Dr. Ma. Arra Santos-Bava of Marikina Polytechnic College, Director for NCR and Luzon; Dr. Constantino Medilo Jr. of Southern Leyte State University, Director for Visayas, and Dr. Rachel Lauriaga of Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Director for Mindanao.

The assembly also featured a pledge of commitment from C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions (C&E ALS), PECAA’s industry partner, reaffirming its support for initiatives that advance innovation, digital transformation, and institutional development in Philippine education.

PECAA has opened membership applications for VPAAs nationwide through www.pecaa.ph/membership

The council’s next assembly will be held during C&E ALS EdConnect 2026 in July, a national education and educational technology conference that will bring together academic leaders and institutions to advance shared priorities for Philippine higher education.