Dr. Joy C. Capistrano is the first Female-President of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), the Youngest Female President among the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) of the Philippines, and the first Manobo-President of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology effective February 28, 2020.

In 2022, Dr. Capistrano received the Outstanding Leadership Skill from the International Leaders Achievers Award; A Woman of Influence, Inspiration and Outstanding College President of the Year award during the 5th Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards; and the Mindanao’s Woman of Strength, Most Exceptional College President of the Year from the Mindanao People’s Excellence Awards, and was recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for her unwavering support and exceptional leadership that realized major breakthroughs, innovations, and initiatives to empower the Indigenous Peoples in Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) and beyond.

She is an international speaker with topics about Indigenous People and Wetlands Conservation and Protection. She is also a GAD Champion and IPYC Adviser. Dr. Capistrano continues to play a pivotal role in advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and welfare. Her active engagement is evident in her presentation titled “The Future of Indigenous People and Beyond” during the 2023 Indigenous People Month Celebration and the 26th Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) Commemoration in Agusan del Sur. Her global impact extends to prestigious platforms, including the Indigenous Commerce, Culture, and Law in the Asia-Pacific International Forum where she presented a compelling talk titled “Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas: The Case of Manobo in Agusan del Sur.”, a presentation that sheds light on the institutions and forms of indigenous business activity in the State Law.

Dr. Capistrano’s areas of specialization encompass Public Administration, Public Policy Analysis, Global Governance, International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Futures Thinking, and Data Analytics. Her current research projects with publications include the Internationalization of SUCs, Indigenous People (IP), Conflict Resolution, Community Development, and Gender and Development.

Dr. Joy C. Capistrano is a motivational public administrator and speaker, consultant, and certified IP character who believes that in serving the people, one should be balanced, empowered, selfless, and trustworthy.