THE COMMISSION on Higher Education has approved the conversion of Colegio de Dagupan into a university.

In its En Banc Resolution No. 742-2021, CHEd certified CdD’s compliance with the requirements for conversion into Universidad de Dagupan.

“University status, being a distinctive honor, is reserved only to deserving higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the country that have proven their excellence in instruction, research, and extension,” CHED Chairman Prospero ‘Popoy’ De Vera said.

“So it gives me great honor and pride to congratulate the board, faculty and staff and students of Colegio de Dagupan after CHED approved its conversion from a state college into a state university,” he added.

De Vera highlighted CdD’s various meritorious awards such as best performing school for Nursing in 2015 and producing topnotchers in CPA and BS Electronics Engineering Licensure Examinations.

The university was also awarded the Center of Development in Information Technology in 2007 and Teacher Education in 2010.

De Vera commended the institution for helping the Commission implement Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act through its more than 800 Tertiary Education Subsidy grantees.

As part of its transition period, CdD President Voltaire P. Arzadon will serve as the first university president.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Chairman De Vera and all his Commissioners for unanimously approving our re-application for university status. They took all the pain in reviewing our papers filed with the Commission 12 years ago,” Arzadon said.

“We envisioned our institution to be affordable for everyone, a place to educate those who otherwise would not have access to higher education. As we celebrate our new university status, we must become even more inclusive and more equitable in our inclusivity. We must offer even greater access to education, research and engagement to which we are so committed,” he added.