SENATOR Loren Legarda has filed a measure seeking to strengthen the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) as the country’s National Polytechnic University.

Senate Bill No. 2110 aims to formally declare PUP as the National Polytechnic University of the Philippines, while repealing Presidential Decree No. 1341 and providing funding for its implementation.

In her explanatory note, Legarda emphasized that education remains the bedrock of nation-building and underscored the State’s duty to ensure access to quality education for all Filipinos.

She noted that PUP—considered the country’s largest state university system in terms of student population—currently serves about 106,500 students through its campuses and extension programs nationwide.

The bill highlighted PUP’s role in delivering affordable and high-quality instruction in technology, engineering, business, and other applied fields, particularly for students from low-income families.

However, despite its national reach and contribution to producing skilled professionals, the university has yet to be formally declared and supported as the country’s National Polytechnic University, the measure pointed out.

According to the proposal, the lack of formal designation has limited PUP’s capacity to modernize facilities, expand priority programs, and respond effectively to the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

The bill also seeks to position PUP as the country’s primary hub for polytechnic and technological education, applied research, and workforce development.

It further promotes stronger academe-industry partnerships and innovation initiatives, including the establishment of a Center for Artificial Intelligence, Computational Thinking, and Key Emerging Technologies.

Legarda said the measure envisions a more responsive institution capable of preparing Filipinos for the challenges of a rapidly changing world, while sustaining PUP’s tradition of accessible and inclusive education.