SUCs to be required to develop idle lands inside campuses

The Senate has approved on second reading a measure that would require all state universities and colleges (SUCs) to implement a land use development and infrastructure plan to develop idle lands inside the school campuses.

The proposed measure, House Bill No. 8370, or SUCs Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) Act, seeks to maximize the use of land resources within universities and colleges by requiring SUCs to submit a land management plan.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, sponsor of the measure, said the bill primarily requires SUCs to prepare and implement a LUDIP with the end view of providing a safe and decent living space for students, who usually come from remote parts of neighboring municipalities and cities where SUCs are located.

“It has been observed that some students, especially those coming from poor families, usually drop out of school saying they can no longer afford to pay the costly board and lodging near the universities or colleges,” Escudero said.

“It is necessary for the school to ensure the safety and well-being of the students by providing them dormitories inside the state university and college,” he stressed.

The bill, likewise, provides for the establishment of housing projects for faculty members and staff to enable them to work effectively and efficiently.

Under the measure, all SUCs shall submit a LUDIP to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) within two years after approval of the bill. The plan will be updated periodically as the need arises.