SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano is pushing for quality tertiary education to reach more students in Central Luzon by sponsoring two bills to rename and expand a century-old state university in Pampanga.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, Cayetano endorsed Committee Reports No. 434 and No. 433.

CRN 434, based on House Bill No. 9989, proposes renaming Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) to Pampanga State University, expanding its academic programs, updating its governing board, and providing necessary funds.

Meanwhile, CRN 433, based on House Bill No. 9988, seeks to convert DHVSU’s satellite campus in San Fernando City into a regular campus.

In his sponsorship speech, Cayetano underscored the importance of equitable access to higher education.

“Kung hindi ka pinanganak sa mayamang pamilya o sa tamang lugar, will you have the same opportunity to finish college?” he said.

Cayetano also highlighted Pampanga’s strategic position as an economic hub and DHVSU’s potential to produce a skilled workforce.

“Clark is in Pampanga, and the Bulacan Airport is nearby. Pampanga State University can serve as a source of talent for businesses, NGOs, and other sectors,” he said.

Founded in 1861, DHVSU was converted into a state college in 1978 and became a state university in 2009. It currently serves 46,000 students across multiple campuses.

Cayetano expressed optimism that the bills will be passed once the Senate session resumes in January. “I do hope in January, we’ll be able to pass these two bills,” he said.