ANGELES CITY – The Board of Trustees of Holy Angel University (HAU) has announced the formal installation of Mr. Leopoldo Jaime Nepomuceno Valdes as the University’s 10th President. The ceremony will be held at the HAU University Theatre on October 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
Mr. Valdes has served as Officer-in-Charge of the University since 2021, following the passing of then-President Dr. Luis Maria R. Calingo. During his tenure, he led the University through a critical transition period, overseeing the reopening of the campus post-pandemic and implementing a hybrid learning modality to ensure continuity of instruction amid frequent weather-related disruptions.
Before his appointment, Mr. Valdes held the position of Senior Internationalization Officer. He also served as eLearning Project Leader and was key in developing HAU’s Online Learning System. This system proved instrumental during the global pandemic lockdown, enabling the University to sustain academic operations.
As OIC President, Mr. Valdes initiated long-term strategic planning to prepare for HAU’s centennial anniversary, expanded the University’s national and international accreditations portfolio, and established the Institute of Academic Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IAIE). The IAIE supports programs in tertiary education equivalency, technology incubation, and other innovation-driven educational initiatives. He also introduced new academic programs such as BS Cybersecurity and BS Aviation Management, aligning the University’s offerings with evolving industry demands.
Mr. Valdes completed his elementary education at Holy Angel University and high school at Chevalier School. He earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from De La Salle University, an Executive MBA from Simon Fraser University in Canada, and a Master’s in Human Resources Management from the City University of Seattle.
His professional career spans both private and international sectors. He held engineering and management roles at San Miguel Corporation and Procter & Gamble Philippines. He later worked in Europe with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations in Vienna, establishing user support services and technology training programs.
After migrating to Canada, Mr. Valdes founded a consulting firm and taught management courses at various institutions in British Columbia. He also conducted seminars and workshops globally for the United Nations and the Philippine Government, focusing on accessible web design and electronic accessibility policy. His advocacy helped the Philippines contribute to the online accessibility provisions of the UN Declaration on the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities.
He served as executive director for two Canadian non-profit organizations—one supporting small businesses and another assisting new immigrants—before returning to the Philippines in 2016 to join Holy Angel University as an administrator and business instructor. HAU-PR
