Senator Escudero Lauds Enactment of Laws to Strengthen Philippine Higher Education
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Francis Escudero on Monday expressed gratitude towards President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the swift enactment of four significant measures aimed at enhancing the Philippines’ higher education sector. These newly signed laws focus on expanding and upgrading the capabilities of four state-run higher educational institutions (HEIs).
According to Philippines News Agency, these legislative advancements are crucial for bolstering the nation’s education system. The laws are set to benefit the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), and Bulacan State University (BulSu), each of which plays a vital role in providing quality higher education in the country.
Under Republic Act (RA) 11978, DMMMSU is authorized to establish a College of Medicine at its La Union campus, located in the municipality of Agoo. The new college aims to offer a Doctor of Medicine program, including an Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine Program. The curriculum is designed to be learner-centered, competency-based, and community-oriented, with the goal of developing a professional cadre of physicians to fortify the country’s healthcare system.
RA 11977 enables the establishment of a PSAU campus in Floridablanca, tasked with providing a range of short-term, technical-vocational, undergraduate, and graduate courses. Similarly, RA 11979 grants the PUP campus in Parañaque City the status of a regular campus, with a mandate to offer courses within its areas of competency and specialization. Both the PSAU Floridablanca campus and the PUP Parañaque City campus will be led by administrators appointed by their respective university boards.
Moreover, RA 11980 amends the university charter of BulSu to broaden its curricular offerings and enhance the composition and powers of its governing board. The law also encourages the specialization of the university’s constituent units, aiming to further elevate the quality of education provided to students.
These legislative measures represent a significant step forward in the continuous effort to strengthen the Philippine education sector, ensuring that the country’s higher education institutions remain competitive and responsive to the needs of the nation and its students.