On March 17, 2025, Dr. Michelle A. Ong, President of Mabalacat City College (MCC), took her oath as the newly appointed special adviser for Local Universities and Colleges before Dr. Prospero De Vera, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), at the CHED Central Office.
Dr. Ong is widely recognized as one of the foremost experts in the development of community college frameworks. Her expertise was honed through extensive training at prestigious institutions, including Florida State University and Santa Fe College in the United States, where she participated in the Community College Administrators program. She also completed a Fulbright post-doctoral study focusing on community college accreditation, solidifying her commitment and deep understanding of the field.
Under Dr. Ong’s visionary leadership, MCC became the first community college in the Philippines. Her innovative approach transformed MCC, elevating its reputation and making it one of the most recognized institutions in the country. Dr. Ong spearheaded programs that emphasized technological innovation, student support services, workforce development, internationalization, and an enriching academic experience.
During her tenure, MCC garnered numerous accolades, including recognition in the World University Rankings Impact (WURI) and the Times Impact Higher Education Rankings in 2024, where MCC became the only local college to receive such honors. Furthermore, MCC holds the distinction of being the first local college ever mentioned in a State of the Nation Address (SONA) by a Philippine President, a testament to the institution’s significant progress and impact on the academic landscape.
As a special adviser for Local Colleges and Universities, Dr. Ong is poised to drive growth and improvement across institutions nationwide. Her vast experience and strategic insights will play a critical role in shaping higher education policies and initiatives, aiming to elevate the standards and performance of local colleges throughout the Philippines.
