ISUFST welcomes new CHED-6 chief; honors Alvarez

The Commission on Higher Education has appointed Dr. Raul F. Muyong as Director IV of CHED Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI), effective Nov. 17, 2025.

His designation was formalized through CHED Special Order No. 125, Series of 2025, signed by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis on Oct. 28, 2025.

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) welcomed the appointment, with University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. congratulating Dr. Muyong and expressing gratitude to outgoing CHED-6 Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr.

“We wholeheartedly welcome Dr. Muyong’s appointment,” Siason said.

“His leadership experience, academic vision, and integrity will surely continue to elevate higher education in Western Visayas,” he added.

Siason also thanked Alvarez for his vital role in ISUFST’s transition from state college to university status.

“His support was instrumental during ISUFST’s journey toward universityhood,” Siason said.

“His guidance helped shape the systems that now sustain our institutional growth,” he added.

Siason described both Alvarez and Muyong as “champions of quality and access in higher education” whose shared values align with ISUFST’s mission of socially relevant excellence.

“CHEDRO VI has always been a steady partner in our pursuit of accessible, inclusive, and transformative education,” he said.

“With Dr. Muyong’s background and credibility, we are optimistic that this partnership will grow even stronger,” he added.

Prior to his reassignment, Dr. Muyong served as president of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) from 2015 to 2023.

He led major reforms at ISAT U in the areas of accreditation, research, and internationalization.

He was the first president of ISAT U following its conversion from the former West Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST).

At ISAT U, he championed innovation, transparency, and collaborative governance in higher education.

Before his new assignment, he also headed CHED’s Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance (OIQAG).

In his new role, Dr. Muyong will oversee CHED’s regional policy implementation, institutional supervision, and quality assurance efforts across Western Visayas.

He will also serve as a member of the ISUFST Board of Regents, the university’s highest governing body.

Siason said ISUFST—recognized as the Philippines’ first and only fisheries university—looks forward to working with Dr. Muyong on initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These include SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

“We believe Dr. Muyong’s experience in managing a science and technology university complements ISUFST’s thrust in fisheries, industrial technology, and innovation,” Siason said.

“The ISUFST community is inspired to work with him in building a stronger, more future-ready higher education ecosystem,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Alvarez has been reassigned as Director IV of CHED Regional Office–Negros Island Region (CHEDRO NIR).

He previously served as concurrent director of CHEDRO VI and CHEDRO NIR.

Siason thanked Alvarez for being “a constant ally and friend of ISUFST.”

He credited Alvarez for supporting ISUFST’s institutional achievements, including a 100% Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) and multiple CHED regional excellence awards.

“We owe much to Dr. Alvarez’s faith in our vision,” Siason said.

“He believed in the potential of provincial institutions to become national exemplars, and ISUFST is proof of that belief,” he added.

Other officials reassigned under the same CHED order include Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer (officer in charge, deputy executive director), Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangon-Milla (director IV, Internal Audit Service), Dr. Cherrie Melanie Diego (director IV, CHEDRO I), Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes (director IV, Office of Planning, Service, and Development), Dr. Maura Consolacion Cristobal (director IV, CHEDRO III), and Dr. Lora L. Yusi (director IV, Quality and Institutional Culture Assurance Group).

According to CHED, all reassigned officials shall assume their posts beginning Nov. 17, 2025, and serve for one year or until otherwise revoked.

The ISUFST community expressed optimism that this leadership transition will further strengthen CHED’s collaboration with higher education institutions in Western Visayas. (Photo of Dr. Muyong from ISAT U Campus Public Information Office | Text by Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)