The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate Committee on Higher and Technical-Vocational Education has called for sweeping reforms to strengthen oversight and improve the quality of local universities and colleges (LUCs), amid concerns over uneven standards and rapid sector growth. Chaired by Senator Loren Legarda, the hearing, held on Wednesday, April 23, highlighted long-standing governance gaps affecting LUCs, which are established and funded by local government units (LGUs). Lawmakers and education officials emphasized the need for a unified national framework to ensure accountability and quality across institutions. Data presented by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) showed that LUCs are now the fastest-growing segment of the higher education system. Enrollment in baccalaureate programs rose by 44 percent—from around 343,000 in 2021 to approximately 493,000 in 2023—reflecting increasing reliance on locally run institutions for tertiary education access. Despite this growth, oversight remains inconsistent. Of the 152 LUCs listed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), only 107 have been granted Institutional Recognition for Academic Year 2024–2025, raising concerns about compliance with minimum standards. EDCOM 2 Commissioner Sherwin Gatchalian warned that a significant portion of LUCs may be operating below required quality benchmarks. “About 34 percent of LUCs do not have institutional recognition. That means there are issues with quality and compliance with CHED requirements, and in effect, these institutions cannot access free higher education,” Gatchalian said. Structural challenges persist Beyond regulatory gaps, officials pointed to systemic constraints affecting LUC performance, particularly disparities in faculty compensation. According to EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, salaries in LUCs are tied to the income classification of their respective LGUs, limiting the ability of poorer areas to attract qualified educators. “In some cases, instructors in LUCs receive only about 65 percent of the salary of their counterparts in state universities and colleges,” Yee said, describing a cycle where limited resources hinder faculty recruitment and, ultimately, education quality. The commission also underscored the lack of a clear legal framework governing LUCs. While their establishment is generally anchored on the Local Government Code of 1991 and Batas Pambansa Blg. 232, these policies are seen as outdated and insufficient to address current challenges. Compliance with CHED standards has historically been weak, Yee noted, with many LUCs only seeking recognition after the enactment of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which tied government subsidies to quality assurance. Push for nationwide standards CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis backed proposals to introduce stricter, standards-based pathways for LUC development, emphasizing that public support should be contingent on demonstrated capacity and compliance. Legarda said the proposed measure would establish mandatory national guidelines covering the creation, operation, and quality assurance of LUCs, including minimum requirements that LGUs must meet before setting up institutions. “We need to ensure that from the outset, LUCs meet quality standards. Over a third of publicly funded institutions operate without meeting minimum requirements, and that is a problem we must address,” she said.
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