Kagay-anon Desiderio ‘Bong’ Apag III Appointed As New CHED Commissioner

Desiderio “Bong” Apag III, D.Eng, PCpE, from Cagayan de Oro City, was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on January 23, 2025, as one of the new Commissioners of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). His appointment marks a significant milestone in his career, having dedicated years to the education sector and public service.

Before this appointment, Apag served as the Chief Administrative Officer of CHED-10, where he played a vital role in implementing policies and programs aimed at improving higher education institutions in Northern Mindanao. His extensive experience in academic leadership, policy-making, and educational administration has earned him recognition as a key figure in advancing tertiary education in the region.

On Monday, February 3, 2025, Apag was formally welcomed by CHED Chairperson J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III during the agency’s flag ceremony. The event was attended by CHED officials, staff, and representatives from various academic institutions who expressed their support for Apag’s new role. In his remarks, de Vera acknowledged Apag’s contributions to the education sector and emphasized the importance of his expertise in shaping the future of higher education in the country.