University of Bohol President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III has been elected as the 1st Vice President of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU).

The election took place during a Board of Trustees meeting held on Oct. 22, 2024, at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Makati City.

The new set of officers for Academic Year 2024-2026 includes:

– President: Mr. Marco Alfredo M. Benitez of Philippine Women’s University

– 1st Vice President: Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III of University of Bohol

– 2nd Vice President: Ms. Laurice Faye R. Juarez of Capitol University

– Secretary: Dr. Ma. Socorro M. Eala of San Pablo Colleges

– Treasurer: Dr. Zorba BNN R. Bautista

Regional vice presidents elected for this term are:

– National Capitol Region: Fr. Daniel Frankline E. Pilario, C.M. of Adamson University

– Luzon: Dr. Patricia Bustos-Lagunda

– Visayas: Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor of Cebu Institute of Technology – University

– Mindanao: Dr. Guillermo P. Torres, Jr. of University of Mindanao

Notably, Dr. Tirol was re-elected to the Board of Trustees during the National General Assembly held on Sept. 28, 2024, at Novotel Manila, before his election as PACU’s second-highest official.

The diverse team brings together leaders from across the nation’s leading educational institutions to advance PACU’s mission, which includes enhancing member capabilities, promoting relevant and effective educational policies, striving for international recognition, and leveraging private higher education to contribute to nation-building.

PACU has consistently been at the forefront of advancing and advocating for the interests of private education in the country. 

Over the years, PACU has played a crucial role in the passage of several landmark laws and has championed complementarity, reasonable regulation, and academic freedom as cornerstones in delivering quality private education in the country. (L.A. Boncales)