House Panel Approves Landmark Reforms for State Universities and Colleges Governance
In a significant move to overhaul the management of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education has approved two pivotal bills this Tuesday. This development comes nearly three decades after the passage of Republic Act No. 8292, also known as the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, marking a long-awaited update to the governance framework.
Approved Legislation and Key Proponents
The committee greenlit House Bill No. 4799, primarily authored by TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre and Representative Andrew Julian Romualdez, alongside House Bill No. 5042, crafted by Representative Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong. These two measures will be consolidated into a single substitute bill for further deliberation during the plenary session, streamlining the legislative process.
Objectives of the Governance Reforms
The proposed legislation aims to achieve several critical goals. First, it seeks to clarify the strategic role of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in overseeing SUCs. Second, it intends to strengthen the governing boards of these institutions, ensuring more robust leadership and decision-making. Third, the bills propose to legislate varying levels of autonomy based on each institution's capacity and performance, allowing for tailored governance approaches that promote efficiency and innovation.
Specific Provisions and Enhancements
House Bill No. 4799 includes comprehensive revisions to board composition, mandates training and certification for management personnel, and establishes the Philippine Higher Education Academy. This academy will focus on leadership development and succession planning, fostering a new generation of skilled administrators for the higher education sector.
Concurrently, House Bill No. 5042 advocates for a modernized governance structure and introduces stronger accountability mechanisms. According to Representative Acidre, who chairs the committee and serves as Co-Chair of EDCOM II, the overarching aim of these reforms is to modernize the autonomy framework for SUCs. This modernization is designed to make university and college management more accountable and effective, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes and institutional performance.
Broader Implications and Future Steps
The approval of these bills represents a pivotal step toward revitalizing the Philippine higher education system. By updating governance standards that have remained largely unchanged for thirty years, the reforms address contemporary challenges in administration, funding, and academic excellence. As the substitute bill moves to the plenary for debate, stakeholders anticipate a more dynamic and responsive environment for SUCs, better equipped to meet the demands of modern education and global competitiveness.
