In line with the compulsory retirement of Dr. Luisa Bautista Yu, Dr. Ramir Barberan Uytico is designated as the new OIC Regional Director of the Department of Education Regional Office 8. He assumed post last August 30, 2016.

Ramir B. Uytico holds a Master of Arts in Education degree major in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Doctor of Education major in Educational Administration.

Uytico, just like Yu, is multi-awarded having received the 2012 Gawad Career Executive Service Presidential Award last July 31, 2013 at the Malacanan Palace, Manila. He was also awarded as an Outstanding Head Teacher in the whole province of Cebu for two consecutive years (1996-1997 and 1997-1998) and Outstanding Secondary School Principal (1998-1999).

Few months after receiving his presidential award, he was conferred as Schools Division Superintendent in DepEd Dumaguete. On May 5, 2014, he was granted the Career Executive Service Officer V (CESO V) rank and on July 31, 2014, his CESO IV rank.

Uytico was the OIC Assistant Regional Director of DepEd Caraga for 9 months and 9 days before coming to Region 8.

“I know that he will be a good and commendable leader to DepEd Regional Office 8,” Dr. Yu said in her turn-over message last September 6, 2016 in front of the DepEd Regional Office VIII family and the DepEd Regional Office XIII (Caraga) family who accompanied Uytico in his first day as the OIC-RD. Dr. May Eclar, the Regional Director of DepEd Caraga added, “Dr. Ram is a refreshing man. He is sure to be a great asset to you.”

As a response, Uytico said in his message: “Do not worry. I am a silent admirer of Dr. Yu. I will do my best so that she will not be embarrassed that I was the one who replaced her,”