Trygve L. Olaivar is a Filipino public servant who rose through government offices and legislative staff roles to become an Undersecretary at the Department of Education (DepEd).
His career spans more than two decades in public service, and he has served in various capacities in Senate and executive offices. In 2025 he came under intense public scrutiny following allegations related to alleged kickbacks in flood control projects and submitted his resignation from the DepEd.
This article compiles his background, education, career highlights, the recent controversy, and answers frequently asked questions about him.
Data
- Full Name: Trygve L. Olaivar
- Born: May 21, 1981
- Age: 44 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Manila, Philippines
- Nationality: Filipino
- Occupation: Public servant, Undersecretary of the Department of Education
- Spouse: Thamar Olaivar
- Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed / not available
Early life and education
Trygve L. Olaivar was reportedly born on May 21, 1981 in Manila, Philippines. He completed his higher education at the University of the Philippines, graduating in 2004, according to multiple public profiles and biographical summaries. These formative years provided the academic foundation for his entry into government work and legislative support roles.
Career path — from staffer to DepEd undersecretary
Olaivar’s public service career began in legislative and government offices, where he built experience in policy, government relations, and administrative functions. Over the years he worked for notable Philippine senators and lawmakers — including stints linked to Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla and to the late Senator Edgardo Angara — moving between Senate offices, commissions, and executive roles that brought him progressively closer to national-level policymaking.
In the mid-2020s, Olaivar was appointed Undersecretary at the Department of Education, serving as a key official in government relations and international cooperation for the agency. DepEd’s official profile and organizational listings identify him as an experienced officer with more than 20 years in public service, indicating a long-standing administrative career within the Philippine government.
Notable roles and responsibilities
As DepEd undersecretary, Trygve Olaivar was involved in outreach, government relations, and coordination between the education department and other national agencies. His portfolio included strengthening partnerships, facilitating inter-agency projects, and representing DepEd on certain external engagements. Prior to DepEd, his legislative work exposed him to the mechanics of budgeting, project identification, and the political dimensions of national infrastructure and public programs.
Personal life — what’s publicly known
Publicly available biographical sketches mention a spouse (often named in local profile pages) and generally describe Olaivar as a private person with limited personal details released to the press. Many online biographies list a spouse named Thamar Olaivar and indicate he keeps family life largely out of the spotlight. As with many public servants, detailed information about parents or siblings is not broadly published.
The 2025 controversy and resignation
In 2025, Trygve Olaivar became the subject of high-profile allegations connecting him to possible kickbacks tied to flood control infrastructure projects. Testimony before a Senate blue-ribbon panel and statements from other government officials alleged that an aide or intermediary had sought commissions related to multi-billion-peso contracts. Olaivar and officials close to him, including Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, denied the allegations. Amid the publicity and subsequent investigations, DepEd confirmed that Olaivar submitted his resignation. Major Philippine media outlets reported the development and covered both the allegations and the agency’s response.
Key timeline (summary):
- Media reports and affidavits surfaced alleging involvement in project-related kickbacks.
- A former DPWH official testified to the Senate about alleged commission requests tied to projects.
- DepEd publicly confirmed Olaivar’s resignation as the issue gained national attention.
Reactions and ongoing developments
The allegations prompted swift media attention and calls for investigation from various quarters. DepEd issued statements acknowledging the resignation while also noting that investigations and due process would run their course. Political allies and opponents offered differing perspectives — some pointing to the need for transparency, others urging caution until official inquiries concluded. As of the latest reporting, national outlets continued to monitor the legal and administrative outcomes around the matter.
Assessing Olaivar’s public legacy
Trygve Olaivar’s career is a reminder of how long-term public service careers can span quiet administrative work and sudden public scrutiny. Supporters emphasize his years of service and experience navigating government relations; critics highlight the seriousness of the allegations and the need for full accountability if wrongdoing occurred. Ultimately, an official record — such as findings from investigations or court proceedings — will shape the long-term public assessment of his legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Trygve Olaivar?
A: Trygve L. Olaivar is a Filipino public servant who served as Undersecretary at the Department of Education and has a background in legislative and executive offices.
Q: When was he born and where did he study?
A: Public biographical pages list his birthdate as May 21, 1981, and indicate he graduated from the University of the Philippines in 2004.
Q: Why did Trygve Olaivar resign from DepEd?
A: Olaivar submitted his resignation amid media and Senate-led attention to allegations that he was implicated in requests for commissions related to flood control projects. He and others named have denied wrongdoing; DepEd confirmed his resignation.
Q: Are there official investigations into the allegations?
A: The matter was brought to public and legislative attention, with testimony and reports prompting calls for investigation. National news outlets reported on Senate testimonies and official statements; outcomes would depend on formal inquiries and any legal processes.
Q: Where can I find official information about his roles at DepEd?
A: DepEd’s official site and organizational pages list undersecretaries and provide short bios or organizational charts; those pages are authoritative references for his appointment and official duties
Conclusion
Trygve Olaivar’s trajectory—from a University of the Philippines graduate to a senior department official—reflects years of public service across legislative and executive roles. The events of 2025 demonstrate how rapidly reputations and careers in public life can become contested when serious allegations surface. For readers wanting to follow developments, rely on reputable national news outlets and official DepEd statements for verified updates. The final public judgment on Olaivar’s career will depend on the results of formal investigations and any legal determinations that follow.
