Bill strengthening colleges, universities hurdles 2nd reading in House

MANILA – A measure enhancing the supervisory and regulatory role of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) hurdled second reading at the House of Rep r esent at i ves.

During Tuesday's plenary session, the House passed through voice voting Bill 9982, mandating CHED to exercise reasonable supervision and regulation of HEIs.

Under the bill, CHED shall be vested with ample authority to set the mandatory minimum institutional and course requirements for all HEIs.

If enacted into law, the external governance of HEIs and programs in both public and private sectors, except for the University of the Philippines System and the

Mindanao State University System, shall be under the oversight function of CHED.

Meanwhile, the internal governance of HEIs shall be left to their respective governing boards and administrative officers.

All public and private HEIs must obtain prior authorization from the government before offering undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs.

CHED shall ensure that no unnecessary administrative barriers hinder the internationalization of programs in Philippine higher education through the admission of qualified foreign students, subject to the constitutional limitation of not more than 30 percent of the total student population in an institution.

Also included in the bill is a provision on the grant of incentives for high standards of quality for all HEIs that consistently demonstrate and adhere to standards of excellence.

Moratorium on student loan payments during disasters

The House also approved on second reading Bill 9978, which seeks to impose a moratorium on student loan payments during calamities, disasters, crisis situations, and other emergencies.

The payment of all fees, charges, and other charges on loans for higher education and technical-vocational education during emergencies will be suspended.

The bill will cover all students residing in areas declared to be under a state of calamity or emergency, including pupils enrolled in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, private HEIs, and public and private technical-vocational institutions.

It further provides that the availment of the moratorium shall not adversely affect the status of the concerned students regarding their eligibility for re-enrollment in the succeeding semesters or terms, or their eligibility for graduation.

( PNA)