Senator Bong Go Proposes Legislation to Enhance Higher Education Access in Davao Oriental
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has taken a significant step toward expanding equitable access to higher education and bolstering regional development by filing a new legislative measure. The proposal focuses on upgrading existing extension units of the Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) to full-fledged regular campuses.
Details of Senate Bill No. 1782
Senate Bill No. 1782 specifically targets the conversion of DOrSU's extension campuses located in the municipalities of Baganga, Cateel, and Tarragona. This strategic move aims to enhance institutional capacity, broaden academic offerings, and bring quality tertiary education closer to underserved communities in Davao Oriental.
Go emphasized the constitutional foundation for this initiative, citing Article II, Section 17 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. He stated, "The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development."
Rationale and Necessity for the Bill
Explaining the necessity of the bill, Go highlighted that education is a fundamental right and a vital tool for socio-economic development, particularly in areas like Baganga, Cateel, and Tarragona. As the premier state university in the province, DOrSU is mandated to provide accessible, quality, and relevant higher education to support local and regional growth.
The bill references Republic Act No. 11033, signed into law on May 28, 2018, which converted the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology into the current university system. However, Go pointed out that the extension campuses remain limited in program offerings, personnel, and facilities due to their current operational status.
Population Data and Community Needs
Citing the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Census of Population, the measure underscores the growing communities in these areas:
- Baganga: 59,796 residents
- Cateel: 45,623 residents
- Tarragona: 27,349 residents
Go stressed that these populations require localized access to complete higher education programs, especially for students facing geographical and financial challenges in pursuing tertiary education outside their municipalities.
Expected Benefits and Implementation
By elevating these sites to regular campuses, Go believes DOrSU can better serve the region. He stated, "By converting these extension campuses into full-fledged campuses, DOrSU will be able to expand its academic programs, improve its facilities, and employ more faculty and staff, thereby promoting equitable access to education and supporting human capital development of the region."
Under the proposed "Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) Baganga, Cateel, and Tarragona Campuses Act," the regular campuses will be mandated to:
- Offer undergraduate and graduate courses that respond to the human resource development needs of Davao Oriental and the Davao Region.
- Undertake research and extension services to support socio-economic development.
- Provide progressive leadership in their respective areas.
Operational and Quality Assurance Measures
The bill specifies that each of the three campuses shall be headed by a Campus Director who will render full-time service. To ensure quality, the university must comply with the policies, standards, and guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for operation as regular campuses.
Furthermore, the measure provides for the transfer of all assets, personnel, and records of the extension campuses to the university. It ensures that the positions, rights, and security of tenure of faculty members and personnel employed under existing laws prior to conversion shall be respected.
