Chito Salazar
Chito Salazar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Alma mater | Ateneo de Manila University (BS) Fordham University (MA) American University (PhD) |
| Occupation(s) | Education executive, business leader |
| Known for | Education reform advocacy PHINMA Education leadership K-12 program support |
| Title | President & CEO, PHINMA Education Former President, Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) |
Chito Salazar is a prominent Filipino education executive and business leader currently serving as President & CEO of PHINMA Education and former president of Philippine Business for Education (PBEd). He is recognized as a key figure in Philippine education reform, particularly known for his strong advocacy of the K-12 program and promotion of public-private partnerships in education.
Early life and education
[edit]Chito Salazar completed his Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University from 1983 to 1987, graduating with Honorable Mention while serving as President of the University Student Council. He pursued graduate studies abroad, earning a master's degree in International Political Economy & Development from Fordham University (1990–1991) and a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations with specialization in International Development from American University (1992–2000). His academic background laid the foundation for his future work bridging business, education, and development.[1]
Career
[edit]Before assuming leadership roles in the corporate sector, Salazar built an extensive academic career. From 1988 to 1992, he served as part-time lecturer across three departments at his alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University - teaching economics, English, and Mathematics. He later became associate professor at both the Ateneo School of Management and School of Social Sciences (2007–2010), while also lecturing at Assumption College and serving as associate professor at the prestigious Asian Institute of Management.[2]
In October 2022, Salazar was appointed President of PHINMA Corporation, the diversified conglomerate of the Del Rosario Group, while concurrently serving as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Education. Under his leadership, PHINMA Education has expanded access to quality education through innovative models, embodying the conglomerate's mission to "make business a force for doing good." His appointment marked a shift from his previous role as president of Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), where he became one of the most visible advocates for education reform.[3]
As PBEd president, Salazar championed the controversial K-12 program despite implementation challenges, consistently arguing that it addressed systemic education gaps. He advocated for curriculum reforms emphasizing foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics, while pushing for public-private partnerships to address infrastructure and resource gaps in Philippine education. His 2014 op-ed "Why Business Should Care About K-to-12" in the Philippine Daily Inquirer outlined his vision for private sector engagement in education reform.[4]
Policy contributions
[edit]Salazar has significantly influenced national education policy through multiple channels. He represented the business sector in the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), contributing to the comprehensive review of the Philippine education system. In June 2024, he gained attention for nominating four qualified candidates for Department of Education Secretary, emphasizing the need for competence over political considerations in addressing the country's learning crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he urgently advocated for measures to address learning loss, pushing for the certification of the EDCOM Bill as urgent legislation.[5]
Throughout his career, Salazar has maintained that the K-12 program, while needing improvements, remains essential for preparing Filipino students for higher education and the workforce. He has argued that the program's challenges should be addressed through curriculum decongestion and multi-sectoral collaboration rather than abandonment, positions he articulated in numerous media interviews and policy forums.[6]
Policy contributions
[edit]Salazar has made significant contributions to Philippine education policy through several key initiatives. As a representative of the business sector in the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), he participated in the comprehensive review of the country's education system, helping evaluate policies and recommend improvements to address systemic challenges. In June 2024, he played a prominent role in nominating qualified candidates for Department of Education Secretary, emphasizing the need to prioritize competence and experience over political considerations during the selection process. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Salazar was a strong advocate for urgent measures to mitigate learning loss, particularly pushing for the immediate certification of the EDCOM Bill as priority legislation to address educational disruptions. His policy recommendations consistently focused on data-driven solutions, participatory governance, and the importance of maintaining educational continuity during crises.[7][8][9]
References
[edit]- ^ Jimmy Montejo (January 26, 2025). "Dr. Chito Salazar advocates equitable quality education". Manila Standard.
- ^ Iris Gonzales (October 28, 2022). "Del Rosario, Salazar named to top posts in Phinma Corp". Philippine Star.
- ^ "Del Rosario family's Phinma gears up for post-pandemic growth, names Chito Salazar as president". Bilyonaryo. October 27, 2022.
- ^ "Business groups urge gov't to address concerns over K to 12". GMA News. April 24, 2015.
- ^ Arra Perez (June 23, 2022). "Improve, don't remove K to 12 program". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ Chito Salazar (November 15, 2014). "Why business should care about K-to-12". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ Leonel Abasola (January 4, 2023). "Senator says PH education system review to kick off January 2023". Philippine News Agency.
- ^ Kathleen de Villa (June 29, 2024). "Business group lists 4 nominees for DepEd secretary". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ Kris Crismundo (November 4, 2021). "Advocacy group urges PRRD to certify EdCom Bill as urgent". Philippine News Agency.