SENATOR Loren Legarda is pushing for a measure aimed at strengthening the establishment and operation of all public and private higher education institutions.

Through Senate Bill 2829, or the proposed Strengthened Higher Education Institutions Act, Legarda noted that while higher education in the Philippines has made significant strides in the three decades since the Commission on Higher Education was established, there is a need to keep pace with the rapidly evolving global landscape.

“However, as the global landscape rapidly evolves, so must our institutions,” Legarda emphasized in her explanatory note.

She added that the growing demands for academic excellence, innovation, and competitiveness call for reinforcing the government’s role in ensuring that all higher education institutions—public and private—meet the highest standards.

The bill seeks to bolster the government’s supervisory and regulatory oversight of HEIs. It recognizes the complementary roles of the public and private sectors in the educational system and ensures the protection of academic freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Additionally, the measure sets clear criteria for the creation of HEIs and establishes minimum standards for their course offerings. It mandates prior government authorization for the offering of degree programs.

The bill also institutionalizes incentives for HEIs that meet optimal standards of quality and consistently adhere to standards of excellence.