𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝑯𝑬𝑫 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐 𝑹. 𝑨𝒑𝒂𝒈, 𝑰𝑰𝑰

The Commissioner of Higher Education (CHED), Dr. Desiderio R. Apag, III, was warmly welcomed by the JHCSC community and key officials under the leadership of President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales. Accompanied by Atty. Marco Cicero F. Domingo, CHED ROIX Regional Director, and Dr. Joseph Lou C. Sta. Teresa, OIC-Chief Education Program Specialist, Dr. Apag visited JHCSC on March 27, 2025, to strengthen collaboration and advance shared goals for academic excellence and institutional growth.

The visit commenced at the Dumingag Campus, where Campus Director Dr. Moises Glenn G. Tangalin welcomed Dr. Apag. He was introduced to the ZamPen Native Chicken Project and participated in the ceremonial planting of a dwarf coconut. As a gesture of appreciation, he was given five (5) dwarf coconut seedlings. Drawing on his expertise in engineering and technology, Dr. Apag engaged in discussions on advancing the initiative into a SMART Agriculture project, emphasizing his vision of positioning JHCSC among the country’s top higher education institutions and highlighting the significance of innovation and sustainable development.

Upon arriving at the Main Campus, Dr. Apag received an equally warm reception. Addressing the JHCSC community, he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the institution’s aspirations for universityhood. “You have my full support as the new chair designate of the Board of Trustees of J.H. Cerilles State College,” he stated. President Rosales, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the commissioner’s visit, highlighting their shared passion for singing and basketball.

A friendly basketball match followed between Commissioner Apag’s team, composed of Pagadian Campus employees, and President Rosales’ team, representing the Main Campus. Ultimately, President Rosales’Rosales’ team secured a 107-89 victory. Commissioner Apag, looking ahead to their next game, confirmed plans for an exhibition match in August 2025. Among the 23 state universities and colleges (SUCs), JHCSC was one of the first three he visited, reflecting his commitment to engaging with higher education institutions firsthand.