The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) held a solemn and meaningful Turnover Ceremony on September 9, 2025, signifying a smooth transition of leadership and a renewed commitment to advancing the cause of Philippine private education.The ceremony, held at Makati Diamond Residences, was graced by the presence of COCOPEA Presidents, Board Members, Executive Directors, and esteemed partners from various public and private educational associations who gathered to witness and support this significant milestone in the Council’s institutional journey.
DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara provided the keynote speech at the event. Hon. Jude A. Acidre, Chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and EDCOM II Co-Chair, introduced the new COCOPEA trustees and officers while also sharing a message.
The highlight of the event was the formal turnover of the COCOPEA Chairpersonship from Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, President of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), to Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, President of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU).
Partners and leaders of educational agencies also sent congratulatory notes as follows: DG. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, General Director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Asec. Jocelyn DR. Andaya, Assistant Secretary for Operations at DepEd; Asec. Jerome T. Buenviaje, Assistant Secretary for Learning Strand at DepEd; CHED Commissioners Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Villanueva, Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, and Engr. Desiderio R. Apag III; Dr. Runvi V. Manguerra, Executive Director II of the Secretariat of the Teacher Education Council; and Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer, Executive Director of PEAC. Also present were EDCOM2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee and Director Vernice Quintana from the DepEd Private Education Office. Atty. John R. Jacome, Managing Director of COCOPEA, acted as the Master of Ceremonies.
As COCOPEA enters this new chapter, the Council remains steadfast in its purpose: to serve as the collective voice of private educational institutions in the Philippines, and to champion a system where public and private education work hand-in-hand to ensure that no Filipino learner is left behind. – Article and photos source: COCOPEA FB Page
