Guidelines on Establishment of Local Colleges and Universities by Local Governments, and on Operation of Higher Education Programs
The DILG Memorandum Circular No. 067-09 outlines the guidelines for establishing local colleges and universities by local governments in the Philippines, in line with the 1987 Constitution's mandate for quality education. It emphasizes that new institutions must start as Local Colleges, with the support and technical advice from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure compliance with standards. Local Colleges must secure CHED's approval before offering higher education programs and are subject to evaluation for licensure and recognition. The circular also stipulates that university status is reserved for institutions that demonstrate excellence and meet specific CHED requirements. Lastly, local colleges and universities must undergo regular inspection and evaluation by CHED to maintain quality assurance.
May 26, 2009
DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 067-09
| TO | : | All Concerned Provincial Governors, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors, Presiding Officers of the Sanggunians, Presidents or Heads of Local Government Colleges and Universities, and DILG Regional Directors |
| SUBJECT | : | Guidelines on the Establishment of Local Colleges and Universities by Local Governments, and on the Operation of Higher Education Programs |
Statement of Policy
The 1987 Constitution mandates the State to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels.
Towards this end, the Higher Education Act of 1994 empowers the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to: (a) rationalize programs and institutions of higher learning and set standards, policies and guidelines for the creation of new ones, as well as the conversion or elevation of schools to institutions of higher learning, subject to budgetary limitations and the number of institutions of higher learning in the province or region where creation, conversion or elevation is sought to be made; and (b) review the charters of institutions of higher learning and state universities and colleges, including the chairmanship and membership of their governing bodies and recommend appropriate measures as basis for necessary action.
Purpose of this Circular
This Memorandum Circular is in pursuance of a Memorandum of Agreement entered into by and between this Department and CHED, and it embodies the protocols in establishing local institutions of higher learning and in offering higher education programs, for the guidance of concerned local authorities. cCSDaI
Coverage
Local governments with existing local colleges and universities established and operated pursuant to the pertinent provision of the Local Government Code, and local governments which intend to establish higher education institutions.
Establishment of a Local Higher
1. A new local higher education institution shall start as a Local College. No new local institution shall be established immediately as a Local University.
2. A local government intending to establish a higher education institution shall secure technical advice from the CHED to ensure that all pertinent requirements are complied with.
3. In the interest of quality education, effective coordination with CHED in all stages or aspects towards the establishment and operation of the new local government college is essential.
Operation and Offering of a Higher
1. The operation of a Local College and the offering of a higher education program shall be in accordance with the pertinent policies and standards promulgated by CHED.
2. A Local College shall commence operation only after its Governing Board is duly constituted and its President appointed for a fixed term of four (4) years.
3. A duly established Local College shall secure the imprimatur of the CHED prior to the offering of a higher education program. The Chairman of the Governing Board, or its President when so authorized by the Governing Board, shall file with CHED an application to offer a higher education program. The application shall be supported with documents indicating compliance with the policies and standards relative to such degree program. aDTSHc
4. The applicant-Local College shall be assessed or evaluated by CHED in accordance with its existing rules and procedure.
5. If the applicant-Local College complies with the minimum requirements, CHED shall issue the corresponding permit to operate the program applied for.
Elevation to a University Status
1. University status, being a distinctive honor, is reserved only for the truly deserving local higher education institutions with proven excellence in instruction, research and extension.
2. The granting of a university status is contingent upon the satisfaction of all requirements embodied under applicable CHED issuances and in the Manual of Regulations.
Monitoring and Visitorial Powers
All local colleges and universities are subject to the inspection and evaluation of CHED.
Licensure, Civil Service Examination
1. Special Order to Graduate from CHED thereby enabling the graduates of local colleges and universities to take licensure examinations by the Professional Regulation Commission, and civil service examinations by the Civil Service Commission. cSTHAC
2. Inclusion in the Directory of CHED-recognized Philippine Universities and Colleges.
3. Quality assurance support from CHED, if qualified pursuant to CHED rules.
4. Acceptance of foreign students subject to compliance with the requirements of competent regulatory agencies.
All concerned DILG Regional Directors are directed to disseminate this Memorandum Circular within their regional assignments.
(SGD.) RONALDO V. PUNOSecretaryDepartment of the Interior and Local Government