SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has filed a measure renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to Central Mindanao University (CMU).

In Senate Bill 1544, Zubiri noted that CMU’s current franchise is set to expire in March 2026.

He said the renewal would enable the university to sustain and further strengthen its educational and public service broadcasting efforts—supporting the government’s vision of inclusive education, informed citizenship, and national development.

CMU was granted its congressional franchise under Republic Act 9044 in March 2001, authorizing it to operate and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations for educational and non-commercial purposes.

Beyond its public service, news, and entertainment programs, Zubiri said CMU’s broadcasting operations serve as an effective educational platform for delivering instructional content and conducting training activities in partnership with government agencies and local government units.

Among its flagship initiatives is the “School-on-the-Air” program, which addresses the learning needs of farmers across the station’s coverage area.

Zubiri also noted that given poor internet connectivity in several communities in the region, CMU’s television broadcasting remains a vital complement to its distance learning education programs.