SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano has expressed support for the passage of bills aimed at expanding 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 provinces such as Tawi-Tawi, Sultan Kudarat, and Bukidnon.

The proposals include the creation of new state colleges, upgrading existing ones into state universities, and converting satellite campuses into regular campuses.

“We’ll try na talagang maipasa ito by our next session, from late January to early February. We’re just going through the requirements,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano explained that expanding SUCs would bring education closer to students, reducing expenses for their families and increasing the students’ chances of completing college.

He added that campuses also boost economic activity in surrounding communities and strengthen the role of academia 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 SUCs to ensure consistent, high-quality education across all campuses.

“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 also expressed support for the bills during the hearing, provided that the SUCs meet 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,” he added, reiterating his support.