A Trailblazer from Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region
by Genevieve Balance-Kupang
In a landmark moment for the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines, Dr. Jimmy Guisdan Catanes has been appointed as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Director IV, marking the first time a native of Benguet has ascended to such an important position. Dr. Catanes’ appointment signifies not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for the entire Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), where he has long been a supportive figure in the realm of higher education. Dr. Jimmy Catanes took to social media to extend his heartfelt appreciation for the empowering leadership of Director Demetrio Pascua Anduyan, JR. During their shared tenure, Dr. Anduyan, as the Regional Director of the Cordillera Administrative Region, provided invaluable guidance and support to Dr. Catanes while he served as Education Supervisor II, CHED-CAR.
Dr. Catanes brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to advancing higher education in the region. Born and raised in Buguias, Benguet, he has always held a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. His journey from Education Supervisor II to a position of leadership within CHED is a testament to his unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy for educational equity and excellence.
Throughout his career, Dr. Catanes has been a steadfast supporter of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Cordillera region. His vision extends beyond merely overseeing administrative matters. Rather, he is deeply invested in nurturing a culture of innovation, research, internationalization, and academic excellence within these institutions. Under his guidance, HEIs have flourished, receiving the resources and support needed to thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
One of Dr. Catanes’s most notable contributions is his unwavering commitment to unify the CAR HEIs, (Cordillera Administrative Region Higher Education Institutions) encouraging them to help one another be a beacon of excellence in CAR. He was also instrumental in promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) within higher education. Recognizing the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera region, he has championed efforts to integrate indigenous perspectives into academic curricula and research, ensuring that local knowledge is given the recognition and respect it deserves. By doing so, he not only preserves the cultural identity of indigenous communities but also fosters a more holistic and inclusive approach to education.
The New Director IV of CHED MIMAROPA, Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes. Photo Credit: CHED-CAR.
Dr. Catanes’s leadership style is characterized by his generosity, empathy, and genuine concern. He is known for taking the time to listen to the concerns and aspirations of leaders and learners alike within the higher education sector, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment conducive to growth and innovation. Under his leadership in Project MARTIN (VMUF), Kabadang Research Publication Mentoring (Founder and Project Leader), FLAIR Masterclass (Co-founder and CHED-CAR Project Leader), Project NEXUS (Founder and Project Leader), Project CRISP (Founder and Project Leader), and CAIRO, HEIs have become vibrant hubs of learning, research, and community engagement. This has been enriching the lives of countless educational practitioners, professionals, and students across the region.
As a new Director IV of CHED MIMAROPA Region, Dr. Catanes is poised to make an even greater impact on the future of higher education in the Philippines. His appointment represents a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring leaders. Through his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication, Dr. Catanes, I believe will continue to pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for higher education in the Philippines.
Dr. Jimmy Catanes’s appointment as CHED Director IV is a cause for celebration not only for Benguet Province but for the entire Cordillera Administrative Region. His ascent to this esteemed position is a testament to his lifelong dedication to advancing higher education and empowering communities through knowledge and learning. As he embarks on this new chapter of his journey, Dr. Catanes serves as an inspiration to us all, proving that with passion, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, anything is possible.
You can view congratulatory messages and best wishes for Dr. Jimmy Catanes on his new role as the CHED Director IV of MIMAROPA from Dr. Elma D. Donaal, the VPAA of Baguio Central University, as well as from Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, the Dean of BCU’s Graduate School. Click on the link below to watch their video messages:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vq4lFZmg_WtC9ylS6KstQgHWp3hce-F6?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vq4lFZmg_WtC9ylS6KstQgHWp3hce-F6?usp=sharing
About the Author:
Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang serves as the Dean of the Graduate School at Baguio Central University. She is a Leadership Team Member for the Exceptional Woman of Peace Award at Pathways to Peace, a UN Peace Messenger Organization. She is the Chair of Special Interest Groups (SIG) of the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (WCCI), an incorporator of the Asian Social Institute, and a lay member of the Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue of CBCP.