Girl from the barrio becomes university president

The Journey of Dr. Editha Magallanes to CapSU Presidency

Editha L. Magallanes, Ed.D.

Poverty’s no hindrance to success—this is proven true by Dr. Editha Lavezores Magallanes, current president of the Capiz State University.


Born in 1951 to a poor family in Cambalong, Merida, Leyte, Editha Lavezores started out in life with many trials and difficulties, working at odd jobs in order just to send herself to school. Despite financial hardships, she completed her elementary education at Merida Elementary School as First Honors; and finished high school at the Merida Institute at the top of her class.

Through an entrance scholarship and through the financial assistance of American Missionary Assistance Program, Iowa Missionary Association of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines in Tacloban City, Editha Lavezores finished the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Homemaking Education at the Visayas Agricultural College (now Visayas State University).

With great desire to work, she applied at the Capiz Agricultural and Fisheries School at Pontevedra, Capiz and married Arturo Distura Magallanes. The couple have been blessed with four children—Amel, Reuel, Jeziel and Clyde, all of whom are students and professionals.

While working in Capiz Agricultural Fisheries School, Editha L. Magallanes obtained Master of Arts in Teaching Vocational Education major in Home Economics. Years later, under the faculty development program of the Panay State Polytechnic College (PSPC), she finished her Doctor of Education major in Home Economics, minor in Educational Management at the Philippine Women’s University.

Working up the professional ladder, Dr. Editha Magallanes actively engaged in the programs and projects of the school, which was to be converted into what is now Capiz State University. Through the years, she held various posts and in these capacities, actively performed as officer and member. Her designations included being chairman, H.E. Department from June 1985-May 1988; June 1991-May 1993.

Dr. Editha Magallanes (seated), president of CapSU shares light moment
with fellow heads of SUCs in a national conference on
state universities leadersahip and governance in Iloilo City in 2009.

In the 1990s, Dr. Magallanes assumed more high-ranking responsibilities. She held the following posts, namely: Director, FADC, Pontevedra Unit from June 1991-May 1993; Associate Director, Research Pontevedra Unit from June 1992-May 1993; Associate Dean, Graduate School, Pontevedra Unit from June 1993-May 1995; Campus Dean from June 1995-June 1996; Research Coordinator and College of Education, Pontevedra.

Some two decades after serving the Pontevedra Campus, Editha L. Magallanes was now prepared to take on the bigger tasks of handling the responsibilities of the University. She then became Vice-President for Academic Affairs from 2001 to 2004; and Vice-President for Administration and Finance from November 2, 2004 to 2008.

Through hard work, persistence and the will to serve the community, 54-year old Editha L. Magallanes became the second president of the Capiz State University on July 7, 2008.