How the New Laws Will Boost the State Universities in the Philippines

How the New Laws Will Boost the State Universities in the Philippines

The Philippine government has recently enacted four laws that will enhance the charter and expand the course offerings of four state universities in the country. These laws are expected to improve the quality of education and increase the opportunities for the students and faculty of these institutions.

The four state universities that will benefit from these laws are:

• Bulacan State University (BulSU)

• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus (DMMMSU-SLUC)

• Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU)

• Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Parañaque (PUP-P)

These laws were signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on February 15, 2024, following the approval of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, who sponsored the bills in the upper chamber, expressed his optimism that these laws will improve the outcomes and advance the educational opportunities for the learners of these state universities.
What are the main features of these laws? Each of these laws has specific provisions that will strengthen the charter and expand the course offerings of the respective state universities. Here are some of the highlights of these laws:

• RA 11980 or the Revised BulSU Charter will allow the university to offer more graduate and undergraduate courses within its area of specialization, such as accountancy, engineering and technology, and arts and sciences, among others. It will also enable the university to open new branches or extension campuses and enter into joint ventures with businesses and industries for the development of economic assets. Moreover, it will grant the university more autonomy and flexibility in its administration and governance.

• RA 11978 or the DMMMSU-SLUC College of Medicine will establish a school of medicine in the South La Union Campus of the DMMMSU, which will consist of basic science and clinical courses to develop a corps of professional physicians. This will help address the shortage of doctors and health workers in the country, especially in the La Union and Ilocos region. It will also enhance the research and extension capabilities of the university in the field of medicine and health sciences.

• RA 11977 or the PSAU-Floridablanca Campus will authorize the PSAU to offer short-term, technical-vocational, undergraduate, and graduate courses within its area of specialization in the Floridablanca Campus, which was formerly a satellite campus of the Central Luzon State University. This will provide more access and opportunities for the students and faculty of the PSAU, especially in the fields of agriculture, agribusiness, and allied sciences. It will also promote the development of the Floridablanca area as an agricultural hub and a center of excellence.

• RA 11979 or the PUP-P Regular Campus will convert the PUP in Parañaque City into a regular campus of the PUP system, which will allow it to offer more courses and programs in line with the PUP's vision and mission. It will also empower the PUP-P to have its own administration and budget, as well as to establish linkages and partnerships with other institutions and sectors. Furthermore, it will enhance the quality and relevance of the education and training that the PUP-P provides to its students and stakeholders.

What are the expected benefits of these laws? These laws are expected to bring various benefits to the state universities, their students and faculty, and the country as a whole. Some of these benefits are:

• Improved quality of education. These laws will enable the state universities to offer more courses and programs that are responsive to the needs and demands of the society and the labor market. They will also allow the state universities to improve their facilities, equipment, and resources, as well as to upgrade their standards and accreditation. Moreover, they will foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and research among the state universities and their academic community.
• Increased opportunities for the learners. These laws will provide more access and choices for the students who want to pursue higher education in the state universities. They will also create more pathways and opportunities for the students to achieve their academic and career goals, as well as to contribute to the national and global development. Furthermore, they will enhance the employability and competitiveness of the graduates of the state universities in the local and international arena.
• Strengthened role of the state universities in the society. These laws will reinforce the mandate and function of the state universities as public service institutions that serve the interests and welfare of the people. They will also enable the state universities to engage more actively and effectively with the various sectors and stakeholders of the society, such as the government, the industry, the civil society, and the alumni. Additionally, they will boost the visibility and reputation of the state universities as centers of excellence and development in their respective fields and regions.

The enactment of these four laws is a testament to the commitment and support of the government to the state universities and the higher education sector in the country. These laws will not only improve the quality of education and increase the opportunities for the learners, but also strengthen the role of the state universities in the society. Through these laws, we hope to prepare the learners and graduates of the state universities for lifelong learning and secure employment, while also uplifting the quality of education in the country and bringing it in line with global standards.