Trygve Olaivar Biography: Education Background, Family, Birthday

Trygve Olaivar Biography

Trygve L. Olaivar is one of the long-serving career public servants in the Philippines, known for his work across several major government agencies. His name may not always appear in headlines, but within public service circles, he has built a reputation for steady, reliable work and a deep understanding of administrative processes.

Born on May 21, 1981, in Manila, he represents a generation of public workers who moved through various branches of government—executive, legislative, and electoral bodies—and gained valuable experience along the way. As of 2025, he is 44 years old and continues to be recognized for his contributions to government coordination, project management, and policy work.

His career spans more than two decades, with roles in the Commission on Appointments, COMELEC, several offices in the Senate, and eventually a top-level position in the Department of Education. Through these roles, he became known for his ability to balance technical expertise with political awareness, something essential in government operations.

Early Life and Background

Trygve Olaivar grew up in Manila, a city that exposes young people to both the challenges and opportunities of public life. While many details about his early family background remain private—such as his parents’ identities or professions—his later career path suggests he was drawn early on to public service, governance, and national affairs.

His upbringing in the capital may have also influenced his understanding of government operations, considering Manila is home to the country’s major administrative institutions. This environment likely shaped his interest in public service, law, and policy development.

Birthday and Age

Trygve Olaivar was born on May 21, 1981, making him 44 years old in 2025.

Despite his relatively young age for a government official in senior roles, he has already completed over twenty years of public service—an achievement that shows his commitment and dedication to national work.

Education Background

Education played a major role in shaping Trygve’s career.

He studied at the University of the Philippines, one of the country’s most respected institutions, and completed his degree in 2004. His time at UP helped develop his knowledge of public systems, bureaucracy, and political structures—major foundations that would guide his future work.

Just a year after graduating, he entered government service through the Commission on Appointments (CA) in 2005. His first role involved reviewing appointments and conducting administrative investigations. This initial exposure helped him build a strong grounding in legal documentation, evaluation processes, and procedural rules.

His education at UP, combined with real-world experience, prepared him for the complex roles he would later take on in national agencies and the Senate.

Early Career: Commission on Appointments and COMELEC

Trygve’s first government assignment was with the Appointments Review & Investigation Services of the Commission on Appointments. This role required careful analysis of documents, background checks, and coordination with various offices.

It was a challenging start, but it provided him with:

• A deep understanding of government systems

• Familiarity with legal and administrative processes

• Connections with career bureaucrats and office personnel

In 2007, he moved to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), serving under Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer. Working in COMELEC exposed him to the technical side of electoral management—election logistics, voter concerns, and coordination with regional offices.

This experience strengthened his ability to navigate large systems and understand national operations, especially during election seasons.

Transition to the Legislative Branch

By 2012, Trygve had built enough experience to take on roles in the Senate. He worked with:

• Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

• Former Senate President Edgardo J. Angara

• Senator Sonny Angara (as Director IV for Political and Constituency Affairs)

In these offices, he became involved in:

• Legislative research

• Policy development

• Constituency concerns

• Government relations

• Stakeholder coordination

His role as Director IV under Senator Sonny Angara required him to manage both political and technical tasks. This included working with regional offices, handling program concerns, and coordinating with government agencies.

These years built the foundation for his senior executive responsibilities later on.

Undersecretary of the Department of Education (DepEd)

On August 2, 2024, Trygve Olaivar was appointed Undersecretary of the Department of Education (DepEd)—one of the largest and most challenging departments in the Philippines.

His work involved:

• Policy coordination between central and regional offices

• Overseeing administrative functions

• Ensuring that government policies reached field units

• Serving as liaison between DepEd and other government branches

• Handling stakeholder concerns through institutional channels

His two decades of experience uniquely equipped him for this role. Balancing the needs of teachers, schools, policymakers, and administrative personnel required diplomacy, communication skills, and strong management abilities—qualities he developed over many years.

Parents and Family

Information about Trygve Olaivar’s parents remains undisclosed, which is common among public officials who prefer to keep personal family details private.

His broader family background is also not publicly discussed, an indication that he separates his professional work from private life.

Wife

Trygve is married to Thamar Olaivar.
While he maintains a low profile when it comes to personal matters, his marriage is publicly acknowledged.

His wife has mostly stayed out of the public eye, keeping their family life quiet and away from media attention—something many career officials prefer.

Personal Life and Values

Despite his long career in government, Trygve prefers living a private and simple life. He is known among colleagues as someone who works quietly, avoids public controversies, and focuses on administrative tasks rather than political exposure.

Many coworkers describe him as:

• Organized

• Detail-oriented

• Diplomatic

• Calm under pressure

• Committed to service

These traits helped him maintain good working relationships in various offices throughout the years.

FAQs

1. Who is Trygve Olaivar?

He is a Filipino public servant with over 20 years of service in different branches of government, including COMELEC, the Senate, and DepEd.

2. What is his age?

He is 44 years old.

3. When is his birthday?

His birthday is May 21, 1981.

4. Who is his wife?

He is married to Thamar Olaivar.

5. What is his education background?

He graduated from the University of the Philippines in 2004.

6. Are his parents known?

No, his parents’ identities have not been disclosed publicly.

7. What roles has he held in government?

He has served in the Commission on Appointments, COMELEC, several Senate offices, and later as Undersecretary of DepEd.

Conclusion

The life and career of Trygve Olaivar reflect what it means to dedicate oneself to government service. From his early days in the Commission on Appointments to his senior position in the Department of Education, he has shown consistency, reliability, and professionalism.

His journey proves that public service is not just about visibility—it is also about the countless workers behind the scenes who help policies move, offices function, and national programs reach the communities they are meant to serve. With over twenty years of experience, Trygve continues to represent the kind of steady leadership that keeps institutions running and ensures that government remains responsive to the people.