President Luis Abinader issued Decree No. 84-26 on Monday, 9 February 2026 appointing Rafael Santos Badia to head the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCYT). He had served in government as the director of the vocational training center, Infotep. He will replace Franklin Garcia Fermin who had been in the position since August 2020 and has not been named in another role in government.
The appointment comes as the administration continues to navigate a proposed merger between MESCYT and the Ministry of Education (MINERD), a project aimed at streamlining the national educational system. Garcia Fermin was a strong opponent to the announced merge of the Ministry of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education.
A veteran educator and lawyer, Santos Badía has extensive experience in vocational training and legislative reform, previously served as a national deputy and as such was a key participant in the country’s Ten-Year Education Plan.
The President did not announce his choice to head the Infotep. Under Santos Badia, Infotep has undergone major transformation expanding vocational education services nationwide.
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Presidency
El Nacional
Background of Rafael Santos Badia
11 February 2026