Senator Alan Peter Cayetano backed the passage of bills that will expand several state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the provinces.
Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, led a public hearing on measures to strengthen tertiary education in various provinces, such as Tawi-Tawi, Sultan Kudarat, and Bukidnon.
Proposals included the creation of new state colleges, upgrading of existing ones into state universities, and conversion of satellite campuses into regular campuses.
“We’ll try na talagang maipasa ito by our next session ng late January to early February.”
“We’ll try na talagang maipasa ito by our next session ng late January to early February. We’re just going through the requirements,” the veteran legislator said, referring to the session resuming on January 13, 2025.
The seasoned lawmaker explained that expanding SUCs would bring education closer to students, reducing expenses for their families and increasing the students’ chances of finishing college.
The senator added that campuses boost economic activity in surrounding communities and strengthen the role of the academe in national development.
“I’d really like to see the day na ang advisors ng mayors, governors, President are people from the academe. So the more the academe grows, the more the community grows,” he said.
However, Cayetano urged the SUCs to ensure consistent high-quality education across all their campuses.
“Parang restaurant: Kung napakasarap ng pagkain mo sa main branch, make sure na ‘pag nag-ibang branch ka, consistent din ang quality.”
“Parang restaurant: Kung napakasarap ng pagkain mo sa main branch, make sure na ‘pag nag-ibang branch ka, consistent din ang quality,” he said.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) also expressed support for the bills during the hearing, with the provision that the SUCs comply with minimum requirements including obtaining Certificates of Program Compliance for their degree offerings.
Cayetano assured SUCs that his committee is ready to assist them in meeting these requirements.
“The general rule is dapat kumpleto ang requirements, but I do believe in exceptions… So kung hindi kumpleto, let us know why, and let us see kung maja-justify natin,” he said.
“Kung kalahati ng requirements wala, we want to assist you but tell us how,” Cayetano added, reiterating his support.
