MANILA, Philippines — Mountain Province is set to have its first state university following the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHEd) approval to convert Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) into Mountain Province State University (MPSU).
The approval happened during CHEd’s Commission en banc meeting on Tuesday.
In a statement on Wednesday, CHEd Chairman Prospero De Vera III said that MPSPC has met the requirements for conversion to a state university according to the law, after the commission’s Composite Team’s evaluation.
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“University status, being a distinctive honor, is reserved only to deserving higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the country that have proven their excellence in instruction, research, and extension,” said De Vera in a statement.
“On behalf of the Commission, I congratulate the board, faculty and staff, and students of Mountain Province State Polytechnic College for your conversion from a college into a university. This is a testament to your continuous commitment to delivering quality education to the people of Mountain Province,” he added.
Republic Act No. 12016, which facilitates the conversion of MPSPC into MPSU, was passed in Congress and signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on August 1, 2024.
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“On behalf of the MPSPC family, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Congressman Maximo Dalog Jr., all past and present key leaders of the province, CHEd officials led by Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III, the MPSPC Board of Trustees headed by Commissioner Marieta R. Canapi, the former MPSPC presidents, and the College officials. Your commitment and contributions have been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” MPSPC President Edgar Cue said in a statement.
MPSPC currently serves as the public institution of higher learning in Mountain Province, with campuses in Bontoc, Tadian, Bauko, Paracelis, and Barlig.
The college offers 23 undergraduate and six graduate programs that cater to approximately 5,000 students per semester.
Additionally, MPSPC was recognized as one of the top 300 most innovative universities globally and has improved its board passing rates, recently earning a 100 percent certificate of compliance.
“After years of persistent efforts, the entire MPSPC community can now celebrate the remarkable accomplishment of upholding high standards in delivering quality higher education, highlighted by the recent issuance of a 100% Certificate of Compliance,” MPSPC Board of Regents Chairperson Commissioner Marita Canapi said in a statement.
“Certainly, MPSPC’s landmark achievements will inspire the people of Mountain Province to prioritize tertiary education, which comes with value-added career opportunities, leading to a more promising tomorrow,” she added.
CHEd approved MPSPC’s conversion to MPSU after evaluating its compliance in enrollment, programs, faculty, research, resources, and outreach. — Arianne Denisse Cagsawa, INQUIRER.net intern