THE SENATE has approved on second reading a measure seeking to amend the charter of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines to formally recognize its role as the country’s National Polytechnic University and ensure greater institutional and financial autonomy.

As sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2669, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano underscored the need to modernize PUP’s charter to better serve its growing student population— now at 93,000 enrollees— and to adapt to future workforce demands.

“Just to refresh our memories, during the budget hearing, we found out that PUP tuition is basically P12 per unit, while UP is P1,500 per unit… yet when it comes to awards and accomplishments, PUP has done an [equally] amazing job,” Cayetano said.

The bill includes key provisions to strengthen PUP’s governance, expand its degree offerings, and establish the PUP Center for Artificial Intelligence, Computational Thinking, and Key Emerging Technologies.

This initiative aims to position PUP at the forefront of technological innovation, making advanced education and research more accessible to Filipinos.

Cayetano also acknowledged the university’s strong reputation for producing highly employable graduates despite its limited resources.

“Sa ilang mga survey, sinasabi ng ilang employers na preferred nila ang PUP graduates… If you compare their per capita spending to some of our leading universities, makikita mong they’ve done so much with so little,” he said.

During the period of amendments, Cayetano proposed several refinements to the bill, including ensuring the continued operation of PUP’s night school and expanding the composition of its governing board.

The amendments were approved without objection, paving the way for the measure’s final reading.

As the bill moves closer to enactment, Cayetano expressed gratitude to his fellow senators and the PUP community for their support.

“Give credit where credit is due—PUP has done an amazing job. Thank you very much to all our colleagues for supporting this bill,” he said.