SORSOGON 1st District Rep. Evelina Escudero pushed for a measure that aims to establish a local office of the Commission on Higher Education in the province.

In filing House Bill 7516, Escudero said there are 19 public and private colleges and universities that cater to almost 70,000 tertiary students in Sorsogon.

She explained that students who need to apply for scholarships, academic grants, financial assistance or raise other educational concerns must travel for three hours to Legazpi City, Albay to reach the CHED field office.

“These constituents — students, teachers and parents residing in Sorsogon, normally endure the distance, travel time, and transportation cost by themselves,” Escudero said.

The lawmaker added that establishing a separate CHED field office in Sorsogon is in accordance with Republic Act 7722 or the Higher Education Act of 1994, which promotes accessibility, inclusion and growth in tertiary education.

Under the measure, CHED Sorsogon will be headed by a provincial director that will regularly communicate and coordinate with the main office.

The amount necessary in the establishment of the office shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.