ANTIQUE — Dr. Godelyn S. Gallega-Hisole has been named the new president of the University of Antique, becoming the first woman to lead the institution in its 72-year history.
The announcement was made on May 13, 2026, following a month-long selection process that included a public forum and consultations with alumni, students, and representatives from the private sector.
Gallega-Hisole succeeds Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., who stepped down on March 10 after serving as university president from 2018 to 2026. After Crespo’s resignation, Dr. Jelyn O. Alentajan was appointed officer-in-charge president effective March 11.
A licensed electrical engineer and veteran academic administrator, Gallega-Hisole brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education.
She earned her Doctorate in Public Management and Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from University of the Philippines Diliman and also served as a visiting scholar at University of California, Berkeley.
Gallega-Hisole previously served as president of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, formerly the Iloilo State College of Fisheries, and as dean of its College of Engineering and Architecture.
She also worked as a consultant for the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission and the Commission on Higher Education Regional Quality Assurance Team.
In her presentation during the presidential forum on April 10, Gallega-Hisole outlined a three-point agenda centered on academic excellence and global engagement, institutional capacity and competitiveness, and partnerships and resource mobilization.
“My mission is to honor the foundation by propelling it to greater heights and ensuring its next chapter is defined by transformative leadership, institutional growth, and sustained service,” she said.
Gallega-Hisole is also the daughter of Dr. Godofredo E. Gallega, who served as head of the institution for more than two decades and led its transition from the Antique School of Arts and Trades to the Polytechnic State College of Antique in 1982.
Founded in 1954 as the Antique School of Arts and Trades, the institution became the Polytechnic State College of Antique in 1982 and was granted university status in 2009.
University officials said Gallega-Hisole is expected to strengthen academic programs, expand international partnerships, and deepen community engagement as the university pursues sustainable growth and greater impact in the province and beyond./PN
