By Sunday Punch
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday sought to bring quality tertiary education closer to more students in Central Luzon by sponsoring two bills to rename and expand a century-old state university in Pampanga.
In the plenary session on December 18, 2024, Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, endorsed Committee Reports No. (CRN) 434 and No. 433.
CRN 434, based on House Bill No. 9989, proposes renaming DHVSU to Pampanga State University, expanding its academic programs, updating its governing board, and providing the necessary funds.
Meanwhile, CRN 433, based on House Bill No. 9988, aims to convert DHVSU’s satellite campus in the City of San Fernando into a regular campus.
In his sponsorship speech, Cayetano said the two bills are a step toward a more equitable higher education system in the country.
“Kung hindi ka pinanganak sa mayamang pamilya or you’re not born at the right place at the right time, in the richest cities, will you have the same opportunity of finishing college?” he said.
“This is one thing that Don Honorio Ventura State University wants with the two House Bills,” he continued.
Cayetano also emphasized Pampanga’s strategic position as a growing economic hub and the role DHVSU can play in preparing a skilled workforce.
“Alam naman po natin that Clark is in Pampanga and Tarlac, and the Bulacan Airport is also a neighbor,” he said.
“So saan ba sila kukuha ng magpapatakbo ng mga negosyo, ng NGOs, ng churches? Pampanga State University wants to be that [source of educated workforce],” he added.
Founded in 1861 as a school of arts and trades, DHVSU was converted into a state college in 1978 and became a state university in 2009.
The Level III state university operates a main campus in Bacolor, six other campuses, and one satellite campus.
“If you compare it to some of the most well-funded state universities in the country, it’s incredible how with a humble budget they were able to give quality education to 46,000 enrollees,” Cayetano said, referring to DHVSU’s student population in 2024.
He expressed optimism that the two bills will hurdle the Senate once session resumes in January next year.
“I do hope in January, we’ll be able to pass these two bills,” he said.