President Benigno S. Aquino III has recently appointed two new Commissioners to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) namely Dr. Minella C. Alarcon and Dr. Alex B. Brillantes, Jr.

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 Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan stressed the timely appointment of Dr. Alarcon, “With the importance placed on Science and Technology Education in Philippine Higher Education, 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.”

Dr. Alex B. Brillantes, Jr. on the other hand, is a political scientist, professor and former dean of the University of the Philippines - National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG). 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. 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. “He will be instrumental in overseeing the alignment of state universities and colleges with the Public Higher Education Roadmap of the Aquino administration,” emphasises Dr. Licuanan. Reports GMA News.