When National Artist Kidlat Tahimik renounced the privileges attached to his National Artist recognition, his message went beyond one artist’s protest. It became a powerful reminder of the need to protect Filipino culture, history, ethics, and the humanities at a time when questions continue to emerge on the direction of higher education in the country.

The internationally acclaimed filmmaker, whose real name is Eric de Guia, raised concerns over what he sees as the diminishing importance given to history and the humanities in shaping future generations.

But his stand has also opened a wider discussion — one that now puts the spotlight on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the leadership of Chairperson Shirley Agrupis.

Critics are questioning whether CHED Chairman Agrupis herself is practicing the same commitment to preserving history that it expects from the institutions under its supervision, following concerns that two major historical publications commissioned by the agency remain unreleased despite already being completed.

The books, authored by renowned historian Dr. Jaime Veneracion, were reportedly finished and ready for launch last year. However, instead of being distributed to schools, universities, libraries, researchers, and students, the publications have allegedly remained in storage.

The first book is considered the first and only written institutional history of CHED since its establishment in 1994 — documenting the agency’s milestones, reforms, challenges, and its role in shaping Philippine higher education.

The second book, titled “The Chairperson Speaks,” compiles the perspectives, experiences, achievements, and challenges faced by all CHED Chairpersons since 1994, serving as a historical record of the leadership that guided the agency throughout the years.

Critics, however, questioned why such important historical works have remained untouched under Agrupis’ leadership. Some have raised concerns that the delay may be because the publications do not focus on the current administration — including the absence of Agrupis’ image on the cover or highlights of her accomplishments — since the books were intended to document CHED’s larger institutional history.

The two CHED-commissioned publications have reportedly been left gathering dust in a CHED storage facility since 2025 — a situation critics describe as an unnecessary waste of government funds and a disservice to the Filipino academic community.

They stressed that these books were not created for any single administration, but for the benefit of schools, libraries, educators, policymakers, and students who deserve access to the history of Philippine higher education.

For stakeholders, the issue raises a bigger question: Should an institution responsible for guiding the future of education allow its own history to be forgotten?

The controversy comes as CHED Chairman Agrupis faces increasing calls for stronger leadership, accountability, and presence on issues affecting students and higher education institutions.

*The growing concerns surrounding CHED’s Chairman Agrupis are expected to become among the pressing matters confronting the incoming leadership of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, as the controversy raises broader questions on how CHED fulfills its mandate to uphold transparency, accountability, and responsible governance in an agency entrusted with shaping the future of millions of Filipino learners.*

Observers also pointed out that CHED Chairman Agrupis strictly requires universities to comply with numerous guidelines before students are allowed to participate in off-campus activities — from documentation and approvals to safety protocols. Yet stakeholders question whether the agency demonstrates the same level of urgency and action when issues involving student welfare and institutional responsibility arise.

“Maraming hinahanap na requirements ang CHED bago makalabas ang mga bata sa confines ng unibersidad. Dapat may masasabi rin ang CHED sa mga ganitong issue,” one stakeholder said.

Critics added that leadership in education should not be defined by visibility in ceremonies, titles, or recognition, but by decisions that protect public interest, preserve institutional memory, and strengthen the academic sector.

As discussions continue, Kidlat Tahimik’s symbolic stand to defend culture and history has grown beyond one artist’s protest — becoming a powerful call for accountability and raising deeper questions on leadership within CHED under Chairperson Shirley Agrupis. For critics, an institution entrusted with shaping the future of Philippine education must also recognize the importance of preserving its own past. True leadership is not defined by titles, personal recognition, or visibility, but by the responsibility to protect institutional legacy, uphold public trust, and ensure that the knowledge and history built through generations are not forgotten — but passed on to the Filipino learners it was meant to serve.