CHED Regional Director Raul C. Alvarez Jr., REE, Ed.D, CESO III, is Midyear Commencement Speaker
Born on January 20, 1968, Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr. is the eldest of eight children of Thelma Sancho Celis, an elementary school teacher, and Raul Doctora Alvarez Sr., a farmer. He takes pride in his roots in the farming community—working-class individuals who till the land to feed the nation. Together with his wife, Mary Grace, he is blessed with three children: Francis Michael, Ma. Lothel, and Raul III.
He was a student leader and a consistent honor student throughout his elementary and secondary education. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos in 1990. He later obtained an Associate in Marine Transportation in 1994 and an Associate in Marine Engineering in 1999, both from the Visayan Maritime Academy. He completed his Master’s in Engineering, major in Electrical Engineering, at the Western Institute of Technology in 1998, and his Master of Science in Maritime Education at John B. Lacson Maritime University in 2005. In 2006, he earned his Doctor of Education, major in Educational Management, from the University of St. La Salle, where he received the Best Dissertation Award.
From being a faculty member (1991 – 2002), he rose to become the Dean of Academics and Research Officer (2003-2012) of a premier maritime school in Negros Occidental and the country. He supervised the design and delivery of instruction to students in various courses and training programs and gained familiarity with the intricacies of maritime education and training. He conducted studies, wrote instructional manuals, and guided students and faculty members in various research projects.
Driven by a desire to share his God-given talents, he actively trains and sings with the church choir and even finds time to play with his students’ rock bands. A passionate advocate of music and the arts, he once chaired the collegiate cultural task force of the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural, and Educational Association (NOPSSCEA). He is frequently invited to serve as a judge in literary and musical competitions at various levels.
He actively nurtures the Electrical Engineering profession by consistently participating in seminars, trainings, and conventions organized by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE). A life member and former Board Director of the IIEE Negros Occidental Chapter, he remains committed to professional growth. His pursuit of broader specialization and experience has brought him to trainings and conferences both locally and internationally.
His dedication to public service extends beyond the academic sphere. From 2007 to 2011, he served as a Member of the Board of Directors and Corporate Treasurer of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO). His strong advocacy for prompt, high-quality, and transparent service earned the trust and admiration of his constituents.
In his 28 years in higher education, he has found great inspiration in the task of preparing the youth to meet the evolving challenges of the times. A Career Executive Service Eligible (CESE) known for his energy, competence, and visionary leadership, he took his oath as Acting Director IV on July 2, 2012, and served the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI (CHEDRO XI) from July 30, 2012 to December 31, 2018. Under his leadership, and in collaboration with its personnel and higher education institutions (HEIs), CHEDRO XI was recognized as CHED’s Best Performing Regional Office in both 2012 and 2015.
On August 23, 2013, President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred upon him the rank of Career Executive Service Officer III (CESO III), and on November 8, 2013, he was appointed as a full-fledged Director IV.
From January 11, 2019 to January 3, 2022, he led CHEDRO X (Northern Mindanao), helping elevate three HEIs into the QS Top 600 Universities in Asia and guiding all 12 local colleges in the region toward formal CHED recognition.
His long-held aspiration to return and serve his home region became a reality when he was appointed Director IV of CHEDRO VI on January 3, 2022.
Currently, he is the CHED Regional Director for the newly formed Region XVIII – Negros Island Region.
