IOHSK Announces New Leadership for South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania
The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) is delighted to announce the appointment of its new regional leadership team for South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania (SSO). This important region represents 33 countries and brings together a diverse and growing community of scholars, educators, researchers, practitioners, students, and professionals in health, sports, physical education, and kinesiology.
The IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania Region includes the following countries:
South Asia – 8 Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Southeast Asia – 11 Countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Oceania – 14 Countries: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Together, these 33 countries represent one of IOHSK's most dynamic and geographically diverse regional communities. The new leadership team will play an important role in strengthening communication, expanding professional and academic engagement, supporting students and faculty members, encouraging international collaboration, and creating new opportunities for participation in IOHSK programs, conferences, research activities, scholarships, and leadership initiatives.
Dr. Arvin Andacao Appointed President of IOHSK SSO
Dr. Arvin Andacao
President of IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, & Oceania (SSO), 9/14/2026 - 9/14/2027
Professor & Chairperson, the Bachelor of Physical Education Program of the Faculty of Teacher Education at Davao Oriental State University, Philippines.
IOHSK is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Arvin Andacao as the new President of IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania (SSO).
Dr. Andacao is a long-time, active, and dedicated member of IOHSK. He currently serves as Vice President of the region and is also a Fellow of IOHSK, reflecting his sustained commitment and significant contributions to the organization.
Professionally, Dr. Andacao is a Professor and Department Head at Davao Oriental State University in the Philippines. Throughout his involvement with IOHSK, he has actively participated in academic programs, conferences, committee activities, organizational leadership, and Board-related responsibilities.
During his service as Vice President, Dr. Andacao has demonstrated strong regional leadership and has contributed substantially to the continued growth of IOHSK membership and participation throughout South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. His ability to connect faculty members, students, researchers, and academic institutions has helped strengthen IOHSK's presence and visibility across the region.
Dr. Andacao has also distinguished himself as an active researcher, scholar, educator, and presenter. His participation in scholarly publications, professional meetings, international conferences, and research activities has helped promote not only academic collaboration but also the broader mission and international visibility of IOHSK.
As President of IOHSK SSO, Dr. Andacao will provide leadership for a region that encompasses tremendous cultural, academic, and geographic diversity. IOHSK looks forward to his continued efforts to expand regional partnerships, encourage membership participation, develop future leaders, and create opportunities for faculty members and students throughout all 33 countries.
Dr. Ruben Tagare Appointed Vice President of IOHSK SSO
Dr. Ruben Tagare
Vice-President of IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, & Oceania (SSO), 9/14/2026 - 9/14/2027
Associate Professor & Director for the Center for Human Kinetics and Wellness Studies (CHKWS) at the University of Southern Mindanao, Philippines,
IOHSK is equally pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ruben Tagare as the new Vice President of IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania (SSO).
Dr. Tagare currently serves as Secretary of IOHSK at Large and is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Mindanao in the Philippines. Over the past several years, he has been actively involved in IOHSK's academic and organizational activities, including international conferences, research presentations, scholarly programs, committee initiatives, and other professional activities.
One of Dr. Tagare's particularly valuable contributions has been his strong commitment to student engagement and faculty research participation within IOHSK. Through his leadership and mentorship, students and faculty members have been encouraged to become more actively involved in research, scholarly presentations, international conferences, and professional networking opportunities.
His dedication to developing the next generation of scholars and professionals strongly reflects IOHSK's mission to create inclusive opportunities for students, educators, researchers, and practitioners throughout the world.
As Vice President of IOHSK SSO, Dr. Tagare will work closely with Dr. Andacao and IOHSK leadership to strengthen connections among members and institutions throughout the 33-country region. His experience in organizational service, academic leadership, research, and student mentorship will be an important asset as IOHSK continues expanding its programs and regional activities.
Leadership Terms Begin September 14, 2026
The appointments of Dr. Arvin Andacao as President and Dr. Ruben Tagare as Vice President of IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania will officially become effective on September 14, 2026.
Both appointments will be for a two-year term.
IOHSK warmly welcomes Dr. Andacao and Dr. Tagare to their new leadership positions and looks forward to working with them as they continue building a stronger, more connected, and more active regional community.
Their leadership will be especially important as IOHSK continues expanding opportunities in international collaboration, research dissemination, student development, professional education, leadership development, scholarships, grants, conferences, and regional partnerships.
With Sincere Appreciation to Dr. Jerome Porto
As IOHSK welcomes its new SSO leadership team, the organization would also like to express its deepest appreciation and sincere gratitude to Dr. Jerome Porto for his outstanding service, leadership, dedication, and commitment.
Dr. Porto served as President of IOHSK Asia for three years and subsequently served as President of IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania for one year.
Throughout his presidency, Dr. Porto provided valuable leadership during an important period of IOHSK's international development and growth. His contributions helped strengthen the organization's presence throughout Asia and supported increased collaboration among faculty members, students, researchers, institutions, and international partners.
One of the major highlights of Dr. Porto's leadership was his service as a Co-Chair of the 2024 IOHSK International Conference held at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. His dedication and leadership contributed significantly to the successful organization of this international event and helped provide IOHSK members with meaningful opportunities for research presentation, professional networking, academic exchange, and international friendship.
IOHSK sincerely thanks Dr. Porto for the time, energy, expertise, and commitment he has contributed throughout his years of service.
Dr. Porto will now continue his relationship with the region as the Past President of IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, and IOHSK looks forward to his continued guidance, friendship, support, and engagement with the organization.
Congratulations and Welcome!
Please join IOHSK in congratulating Dr. Arvin Andacao, the new President of IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, and Dr. Ruben Tagare, the new Vice President of IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
We are excited to welcome this new leadership team and look forward to the energy, ideas, collaboration, and opportunities they will bring to IOHSK members across all 33 countries in the region.
At the same time, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jerome Porto for his years of distinguished leadership and service.
With strong leadership, dedicated members, and an expanding international network, IOHSK looks forward to continuing its mission of connecting people, advancing scholarship, developing future leaders, and creating meaningful opportunities in health, sports, physical education, and kinesiology throughout the world.
Congratulations to our new regional leaders, and thank you to our outgoing President for his outstanding service to IOHSK!
