MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed a provincemate as chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Malacañang announced Thursday.

Emmanuel Angeles, president of the Angeles University, was appointed August 20.

He will replace Romulo Neri, who has been assigned to the Social Security Systems as administrator and president.

After Neri's departure at CHED, commissioner Nona Ricaforte became acting chairman.