THE SENATE approved on second reading seven additional bills, led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, aimed at expanding and improving higher education institutions, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao.

These measures seek to improve accessibility and the quality of education for Filipino students.

A significant milestone among the approved bills is House Bill No. 10181 (Committee Report No. 510), which will establish a College of Medicine at Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU). This initiative aims to address the critical shortage of medical professionals in Central Mindanao by offering a Doctor of Medicine Program and an Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine Program.

“The primary goal of the College shall be to develop a corps of professional physicians to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and respond to the human resource development needs of Sultan Kudarat and the Central Mindanao Region,” Cayetano stated.

Another key measure, House Bill No. 9334 (Committee Report No. 467), will transform Sulu State College into Sulu State University, marking a major advancement in educational opportunities for students in the region. This upgraded university will become the first state university in Sulu and its neighboring provinces, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It will offer a broader range of degree programs and research opportunities in line with Commission on Higher Education standards.

In Western Mindanao, House Bill No. 9315 (Committee Report No. 491) will convert JH Cerilles State College into Zamboanga del Sur State University, enhancing academic offerings like technical-vocational, undergraduate, and graduate programs in engineering, medical sciences, and business.

A similar upgrade awaits Zamboanga del Sur School of Arts and Trades. House Bill No. 9332 (Committee Report No. 492) seeks to convert it into Zamboanga del Sur Polytechnic State College, expanding its technical and vocational courses in engineering, agriculture, and trade to support the region’s workforce development.

Higher education institutions in the Visayas also received a boost with the passage of House Bills No. 10408 and 10619 (Committee Reports No. 509 and 511), which will convert Cebu Normal University’s Medellin and Balamban extension campuses into full-fledged campuses. This change will allow both campuses to offer expanded programs in education, science and technology, tourism, and agriculture.

Additionally, House Bill No. 10822 (Committee Report No. 512) will grant Guimaras State University’s Mosqueda and Baterna extension campuses full-fledged regular campus status, providing better access to higher education and skill development programs tailored to the region’s economic needs.

Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, has consistently advocated for legislation promoting equitable access to quality education.

“This is one issue we can all agree on, regardless of political affiliation: access to quality education is a right, not a privilege. Let’s provide Filipino families, especially the poor, with the kind of education that can improve their lives,” he said.