TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre called on local universities and colleges (LUCs) to strengthen governance, build institutional resilience, and uphold quality assurance as key pillars for the future of Philippine higher education.
Acidre, chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, made the call during his keynote address at the 2025 National Conference of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (ALCUCOA) held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
He underscored the crucial role of higher education in workforce development, innovation, and poverty reduction, noting that the conference theme, “Building Institutional Resilience and Sustaining Innovation Through Quality Assurance,” reflects the direction the sector must take.
Emphasizing the role of LUCs in expanding access to education and supporting regional development, Acidre acknowledged existing policy gaps in governance and accountability.
He cited House Bill No. 4686, or the proposed Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act, which seeks to establish a clear governance framework, strengthen governing boards, and align LUCs with national quality assurance standards.
The proposed measure, he said, is part of the committee’s 10-point higher education agenda, which includes improving quality assurance, expanding access, modernizing the Commission on Higher Education, and strengthening faculty and research development.
Acidre urged higher education leaders to actively engage in reform efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to support LUCs through legislation and policy initiatives to ensure sustained excellence in Philippine higher education.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
