THREE local universities and colleges in northern Luzon received an institutional recognition from the Commission on Higher Education, making them eligible to apply for the benefits under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

The three LUCs are the Binalatongan Community College in San Carlos City, Pangasinan; the University of Eastern Pangasinan in Binalonan town; and the Ilocos Sur Community College.

They were recognized by CHED in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III said that the three LUCs met the criteria for quality assured programs.

De Vera said that 17,847 students of the three institutions will benefit from free tuition and miscellaneous fees.

“They will be funded with close to P130 million. LUCs are now part of the higher education system. The scope and benefits of RA 10931 have been expanded,” he explained.

Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III, represented by Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario, and San Carlos City Mayor Julier Resuello and other local government officials thanked CHED for making tertiary education accessible to all.