Shirley Agrupis, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is under fire for her frequent foreign engagements, raising questions about whether she has become the agency's most traveled chairperson in history—and what Philippine higher education has gained from her trips abroad.
Agrupis' increasingly visible presence at international meetings has piqued the interest of critics and education sector observers, who are now calling for greater transparency about the number, cost, and outcomes of her overseas trips.
Her latest trip to Paris has brought the issue back into focus.
Agrupis detailed the intense heat in the French capital on social media, stating that it was "too hard to tolerate/survive" with temperatures as high as 43 degrees Celsius.
The "world's famous City apparently is not ready or have not anticipated that climate change was coming," according to her general remarks regarding Paris' readiness for climate change.
Agrupis continued by pointing out that there was "practically NO place to hang on" in the heat due to the lack of air conditioning in residences, apartments, certain hotels, and public spaces.
The remarks raised eyebrows over the tone of a senior Philippine government official commenting publicly on conditions in a host country while attending an international engagement.
Agrupis ended her post with a call to action on climate change: “LET US save our planet EARTH.”
The post drew reactions online, including one social media user who remarked: “Let's save our planet earth tapos nag travel sa Paris. Hahaha.”
Beyond the social media exchange, however, questions over Agrupis' foreign travel remain.
Critics are questioning whether her overseas schedule has surpassed that of previous CHED chairpersons. A review and public disclosure of CHED's official travel records could reveal how many trips Agrupis has taken, the sources of funding, and the measurable outcomes of each engagement.
The head of CHED frequently travels abroad, especially as Philippine universities expand international partnerships and participate in regional and global education initiatives.
However, observers believe the frequency of such engagements should be matched by clear and tangible benefits to the country's higher education sector.
How many international trips has Agrupis taken since assuming office? How much money has been spent on these engagements, and what concrete programs, partnerships, or opportunities have emerged for Filipino students and institutions?
At a time when CHED is dealing with pressing domestic issues, the growing focus on Agrupis' international travel is unlikely to subside without greater transparency.
The records will reveal whether or not Agrupis is CHED's most traveled chairperson. The more important question is what Philippine higher education has gained from all of its travels.
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