Key legislative reforms aimed at strengthening access, quality, relevance, and competitiveness in Philippine higher education were highlighted by Representative Jude Acidre, Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, during the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) 32nd Anniversary Culminating National Event.
Acidre underscored the need to translate evidence into sustained reforms that address longstanding challenges across the higher education sector.
The legislative agenda builds on findings from EDCOM 2’s assessment of the education sector, which identified persistent challenges in equitable access, quality assurance, research and innovation, internationalization, workforce alignment, and student success.
Among the measures highlighted was House Bill No. 4958, or the Higher Education Development and Innovation Act, which seeks to modernize the country’s higher education governance framework by updating the three-decade-old Higher Education Act of 1994.
The proposed measure seeks to strengthen CHED’s developmental role by supporting institutional improvement, innovation, and quality enhancement while maintaining accountability standards. Key provisions include a typology-based system that grants greater autonomy to high-performing institutions, the establishment of a dedicated faculty development fund, and stronger quality assurance mechanisms.
Acidre also highlighted House Bill No. 4270, which seeks to amend the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act to strengthen support for disadvantaged learners and improve the targeting of government assistance programs.
The proposal responds to EDCOM 2 findings showing gaps in the distribution of tertiary education subsidies and seeks to ensure that financial assistance reaches learners who need it most, particularly those from low-income households and geographically underserved communities.
To strengthen research, innovation, and internationalization, Acidre likewise cited House Bill No. 5019, which seeks to allow state universities and colleges to appoint highly qualified dual citizens to academic, research, and leadership positions.
Beyond these measures, Acidre announced several priority bills that form part of the House Committee’s broader reform agenda for higher and technical education.
Among these are the proposed Education-to-Employment Act, Philippine Higher Education Internationalization Act, Philippine Higher Education Faculty Development and Research Act, Abot Kayang Pangarap Act, Tripartite Council Act, and Foreign Academic Faculty Tenure Act.
“Together, these reforms seek to create a higher education system that is more accessible, responsive, innovative, globally connected, and future-ready,” Acidre said.
Acidre noted that the legislative package is anchored on a long-term vision for transforming the higher education sector. The proposed measures will aim to strengthen pathways from education to employment, expand opportunities for disadvantaged learners, deepen collaboration between academe and industry, support faculty development and research, and position Philippine higher education institutions for greater participation in the global knowledge economy.
“These priorities are not simply legislative proposals. They represent a vision for the future of Philippine higher education: a future where every learner has a genuine opportunity to succeed; where institutions are empowered to innovate; where research contributes directly to national development; where education and employment are more closely connected; and where Filipino higher education earns greater recognition globally while remaining deeply responsive to local needs,” he said.
As reforms continue to move through Congress, Acidre reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to ensuring that legislative action translates into tangible gains for learners, educators, and institutions.
