Congressman, House of Representatives, Republic of the Philippines

Representative Jude Avorque Acidre is serving his second term in the House of Representatives under the TINGOG Party-list. He currently chairs the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, and serves as co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which is tasked to review and strengthen the country’s education system. In two terms, he has helped author and pass more than sixty measures into law — each one rooted in the goal of improving lives and building opportunities. Among the causes he continues to champion are the Civil Annulment Reform Bill, which aims to make annulment more accessible to families; the Optional Teaching of Religion in Public Schools, which seeks to nurture values among the youth; and the creation of a National Council for Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, to strengthen cooperation between government and faith communities. Rep. Acidre began his journey at the Sacred Heart Seminary, finished his degree in Political Science at the University of the Philippines Tacloban, and earned his master’s in public administration from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. These experiences, grounded in both study and service, shaped his belief that genuine leadership is about hard work, discipline, and compassion. Outside Congress, he continues to serve as Chair of the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council of the Eastern Visayas Medical Center, member of the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Board Member of the Philippine Red Cross Leyte Chapter. He also leads The Gaudium et Spes Center for Faith and Religion in Public Life, which promotes faith-driven dialogue on justice, peace, and the common good. Every week, through his “Fifth Gospel” column in the Manila Standard, he reflects on what it means to live out one’s Christian faith in politics and public life. He is married to Ms. Kochakorn Khattapan, Deputy Center Director of the SEAMEO Center for Innovation and Technology in Education.