House OKs on third reading Amended Higher Education Act

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed on third and final reading the proposed Amended Higher Education Act, which seeks to strengthen the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Voting 199-0-0, the House approved House Bill No. 10282 or the bill amending Republic Act No. 7722 or the Higher Education Act of 1994.

The bill indicated that the Commission's mandate will be expanded to cover supervision and regulation of programs offered by all types of HEIs.

The measure also includes in the CHED Charter the additional functions given through enactment of other laws such as the Higher Education Modernization Act, the Ladderized Education Act, the Open Distance Learning Act, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System in Tertiary Education Act, and the  Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Act.

Further, the bill seeks to ensure faster delivery of educational services by improving the organization structure of CHED through creation of additional positions as well as provincial offices.

Also, under the measure, CHED is required to exercise oversight and supervisory powers over local colleges and universities aside from state universities, colleges, and private higher education institutions.

However, it does not have jurisdiction over schools in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and foreign HEIs which operate under Philippine laws.

It also allowed CHED to establish provincial offices to ensure the implementation of policies and programs across island groups and remote areas. — BM, GMA News