By: Franz Lewin Embudo
The House of Representatives passed on second reading the House Bill 9023 which strengthens the charter of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) by declaring it as the National Polytechnic University (NPU) to continuously give quality yet affordable education to poor but deserving students.
The HB 9023 aims to strengthen the PUP to guide and support other polytechnic state universities and colleges (SUCs) in developing professional courses and other technical programs.
This bill was principally authored by 2nd District Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo of Quezon City and Rep. Paolo Everardo Javier of Antique.
“The country, with its thrust towards an unparalleled development in the new century, needs more industry leaders who will serve under the principle of excellence, patriotism, and love for knowledge and truth,” Castelo said.
Castelo added that it is now high time to strengthen the PUP and elevate it into a national polytechnic status because over the years the institution had produced competent and fully-equipped graduates who now serve as the country’s industry leaders especially in various fields of academics.
By making PUP into a national polytechnic status, an additional P3 billion shall be allocated for its annual budget. For the first three years, PUP will enjoy a P50-million increment. On the year of passage and enactment, there will be an additional P50 million every succeeding year.
In NPU, PUP will enjoy institutional and fiscal autonomy and shall be treated in a manner consistent with its institutional requirements.
It is expected that by early 2019, the HB 9023 will pass the third reading at the House of Representatives and by mid-2019, at the Senate.
Young ECHO 
Leave a comment