SORSOGON 1st District Rep. Bernadette Escudero has filed a measure seeking the establishment of a provincial office of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the province.

In her House Bill No. 7448, Escudero stressed that establishing a CHED satellite office in Sorsogon City would serve as a strategic southern anchor for the Bicol Region.

She said this would improve efficiency by expediting the processing of Special Orders, certifications, and authentication of records, as well as enhance responsiveness through more frequent monitoring and evaluation of higher education institutions (HEIs) to uphold academic standards.

The lawmaker added that a local CHED presence would strengthen Sorsogon’s unique economic profile by fostering tailored academic-industry linkages that support its maritime and eco-tourism sectors.

Escudero explained that Sorsogon has grown into a vibrant center for higher learning, anchored by Sorsogon State University and a network of private HEIs.

She said the province now manages a substantial volume of Tertiary Education Subsidy applicants, Student Financial Assistance Programs, and faculty development and accreditation requirements, highlighting the need for a more localized approach to educational governance.