THE SENATE Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education has approved measures that seek to establish medical colleges and veterinary schools in state universities nationwide.

The panel headed by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero gave its nod to various proposals to create medical colleges in Southern Luzon State University in Lucban, Quezon; Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus in Agoo, La Union; Visayas State University in Baybay, Leyte; University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar; and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

Plans to establish veterinary schools at the Bicol University in Ligao, Albay and the Southern Luzon State University-Catanauan Campus in Quezon province were also approved.

Escudero said the committee will include a provision that the schools will only be operational and accept enrollees once they comply with the requirements prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education.

The panel also approved the proposed Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act.