29/10/2025
ISUFST WELCOMES DR. MUYONG AS NEW
CHED-6 CHIEF, HONORS ALVAREZ’S LEGACY
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has assigned Dr. Raul F. Muyong as the new Director IV of CHED Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI) effective November 17, 2025, following the release of CHED Special Order No. 125, Series of 2025, signed by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis on October 28, 2025.
The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) warmly welcomes the development, with University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. extending his congratulations to Dr. Muyong and expressing gratitude to outgoing CHED-6 Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr. for his vital role in ISUFST’s transformation from a state college into a university.
“We wholeheartedly welcome Dr. Muyong’s appointment. His leadership experience, academic vision, and integrity will surely continue to elevate higher education in Western Visayas,” Siason said.
“At the same time, we express our deep appreciation to Dr. Alvarez, whose support was instrumental during ISUFST’s journey toward universityhood. His guidance helped shape the systems that now sustain our institutional growth.”
Dr. Siason described both education leaders as “champions of quality and access in higher education,” saying their shared commitment to service and innovation aligns with ISUFST’s mission of promoting excellence rooted in social relevance.
“CHEDRO VI has always been a steady partner in our pursuit of accessible, inclusive, and transformative education. 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, where he led major institutional reforms in accreditation, research, and internationalization. As the first president of ISAT U following its conversion from the former West Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST), Muyong championed innovation, transparency, and collaboration in higher education governance. He heads CHED’s Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance (OIQAG) prior to his new assignment as Western Visayas Regional Director.
Under his new role, Dr. Muyong will oversee CHED’s policy implementation, institutional supervision, and quality assurance initiatives across Western Visayas. Like his predecessor, he will also serve as member of the ISUFST Board of Regents, the university’s highest governing body.
Dr. Siason emphasized that ISUFST, as the country’s first and only fisheries university, looks forward to continued collaboration under Muyong’s leadership—particularly in areas aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 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. The ISUFST community is inspired to work with him in building a stronger, more future-ready higher education ecosystem,” Siason added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alvarez, who previously served as concurrent Director of CHEDRO VI and CHED Negros Island Region (NIR), has been reassigned as Director IV of CHEDRO NIR. Siason thanked him for being “a constant ally and friend of ISUFST,” noting his role in various recognitions that the university received from CHED, including its 100% Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) and multiple 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.”
Other officials reassigned under the same CHED order include Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer (OIC, Deputy Executive Director), Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangon-Milla (Director IV, IAS), Dr. Cherrie Melanie Diego (Director IV, CHEDRO I), Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes (Director IV, OPSD), Dr. Maura Consolacion Cristobal (Director IV, CHEDRO III), and Dr. Lora L. Yusi (Director IV, QICAG).
Dr. Agrupis’ directive stated that all newly reassigned officials shall assume their duties beginning November 17, 2025, and hold their positions for one year or until otherwise revoked. The ISUFST community expressed optimism that the transition will further strengthen collaboration between CHED and higher education institutions in Western Visayas toward advancing quality education and innovation. (Photo of Dr. Muyong from ISATU Campus Public Information Office | Text by Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)
