Under Board of Regents (BOR) Resolution No. 8, Series of 2025, the Laguna University Board of Regents recommended Dr. Charlemagne G. Laviña as the new University President of Laguna University for a fixed term of four (4) years commencing on March 19, 2025, and ending on March 18, 2029, in accordance with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 18, Series of 2022. The BOR resolution was approved and signed on March 18, 2025. Subsequently, on March 19, 2025, the appointment of Dr. Laviña as University President III was officially signed by the BOR Chairman and Governor of Laguna, Hon. Ramil L. Hernandez affirming the Board’s recommendation.

         Dr. Laviña brings an impressive portfolio with over thirty years of experience in the field of tertiary education. His career commenced as a classroom teacher, progressively advancing to various teaching roles across college, vocational, master’s, and doctoral programs in both private and public institutions. This breadth of teaching experience is complemented by more than twenty-one years in administrative capacities, including department chair, college dean, graduate school dean, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and University President.

A Visionary Leader and Strategic Innovator. As Dean of the Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) – Manila, his leadership drove transformative advancements for the College of Information Technology Education. Under his tenure, the college achieved historic milestones, including its first Center of Development (COD) Award, first Center of Excellence (COE) Award, and the prestigious Level IV Accredited Status—testaments to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and strategic growth.

Furthermore, under his leadership, all three degree programs within the college achieved ABET International Accreditation, globally recognized as the gold standard for computing and engineering program accreditation. These achievements exemplify his unwavering commitment to raising academic standards to meet and surpass international benchmarks. Additionally, Dr. Lavina was instrumental in pioneering the creation and establishment of the Graduate School programs at T.I.P. Manila, further solidifying his legacy of academic excellence and innovation.

In 2014, Dr. Laviña was promoted to Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.). Under his tenure, T.I.P. Manila achieved a significant milestone by being elevated from Deregulated Status to Autonomous Status—the highest recognition granted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. This prestigious designation underscores institutional excellence, innovation, and quality education, reflecting Dr. Laviña’s strategic vision and leadership.

Awards and Recognitions. Dr. Laviña’s dedication as an educator and leader has earned him numerous accolades, including, among others:

• The Most Outstanding Teacher (Administrative Category). Laviña was awarded 1st Place in the Most Outstanding Teacher Award for private higher educational institutions in the Philippines. This prestigious recognition was administered by the Private Education Retirement Annuity Association (PERAA), celebrating his exemplary contributions to education and administration.
• Gawad Banyuhay ng Katatagan (Banyuhay Award for Resiliency)
  This honor recognizes individuals who exhibit remarkable resilience and strength in overcoming life’s challenges and difficulties, a testament to Dr. Laviña’s inspiring character and unwavering determination.
• Outstanding Lagunense in the field of Education. The Provincial Council of the Province of Laguna recognized Dr. Lavina’s exemplary contribution in the field of Education.

• 2023 Gawad Parangal “GALING AT HUSAY”. Bestowed by the LCBA Alumni Association, this award recognizes Dr. Laviña as an Outstanding Alumnus for his exceptional accomplishments and dedication to his field.

Research and Publications

          Dr. Laviña is a seasoned academician and prolific researcher with expertise in machine vision, artificial intelligence, cybercrime, and application development. His work focuses on integrating technology into education and solving real-world challenges through advanced computing.

          He has authored and co-authored several books, including:

1. 1. Introduction to Computer Human Interaction (2023) – ISBN: 978-971-9655-05-3
   2. Automata (2010) – ISBN: 978-971-0445-72-1
   3. Outcomes-Based Practical Guide to Thesis and Capstone Project Writing in Computing (2022) – ISBN: 978-621-406-342-0
   4. Social, Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Computing (2022) – ISBN: 978-621-406-293-5

          Dr. Laviña has also presented and published research in local, national, and international conferences and Scopus-indexed journals.

          Dr. Laviña is a member of CHED-NCR Regional Quality Assurance Team (RQAT) from 2007-2020; PACUCOA Accreditor form 2010-2020; CHED National Pool of IT Assessors (2008-2011); Assessor for CHED’s Institutional Sustainability Assessment (ISA); Program Evaluator of PICAB; and Accreditor of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities – Commission on Accredition (ALCUCOA).

          As the first University President of Laguna University in 2020, Dr. Laviña made history as the first President of a Local University and College (LUC) in the Philippines to be appointed through a merit-based process involving a Search Committee, a public forum, and a closed-door panel interview. He also holds the distinction of being a LUC President appointed with the rank of University President III, as approved by both the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

          Dr. Laviña’s tenure was marked by transformative advancements in academic programs, administrative systems, and infrastructure—laying a solid foundation for the University’s modernization. Under his visionary leadership, Laguna University was granted Institutional Recognition (IR) and achieved 100% compliance in securing Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for all its academic programs. Furthermore, he championed academic excellence by steering multiple programs toward Level II accreditation status, reflecting his unwavering commitment to quality and innovation in higher education.

          In 2022, he assumed leadership at Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (University of Cabuyao). Under his administration, the university attained ISO 9001:2015 certification and became the first and only local university in the Philippines to achieve international accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program through PICAB. There is a significant improvement in the area of research publication as well as extension services. A number of commissioned research were granted by DOST PCIERRED during his incumbency at the University of Cabuyao.

Community Involvement and Faith

          Beyond academia, Dr. Laviña is the founder and current president of Samahan ng Makabayang Cabuyeños (SaMaCa), a SEC-registered non-government organization established in 2015.

          A devout Christian, Dr. Laviña also serves as a pulpit minister at Jesus Is Lord Church–Calamba, a Christ-centered, full-gospel Christian church.