SENATOR Bam Aquino is pushing for the establishment of a regular campus of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) in San Antonio, Northern Samar.

Under Senate Bill No. 2489, the proposed campus will be known as the University of Eastern Philippines-San Antonio Campus.

Aquino said UEP plays an important role in providing accessible and quality higher education to students in Northern Samar.

However, he noted that the university’s main campus in Catarman is approximately 40 kilometers from San Antonio, making access to higher education more difficult for students from the island municipality and nearby communities.

The proposed campus aims to bring quality higher education closer to local students and expand opportunities for those facing geographical and financial barriers to pursuing college education outside the municipality.

It is envisioned to offer academic programs responsive to the needs and development priorities of San Antonio and Northern Samar, particularly in mechanical and transportation engineering, environmental science and engineering, and tourism, ecotourism, and hospitality.

These programs are expected to help develop local skills, support the sustainable management of the province’s natural resources, and strengthen economic activities in the area.

The establishment of the UEP-San Antonio Campus is also expected to expand access to higher education in Northern Samar, strengthen local human resource development, and contribute to the economic and sustainable development of San Antonio and surrounding communities.