For the second time, our bid to officially recognize the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) as the National Polytechnic University has been vetoed. This decision is not merely a legislative setback—it is a rejection of the urgent call to expand access to quality, inclusive, and relevant public higher education. It threatens the future of our University, our campuses, and the communities we serve. Several PUP campuses now face imminent closure due to the lack of national government funding—support that would have been secured through this landmark legislation.

The NPU Bill was never about prestige nor titles. It was a clear and comprehensive response to the structural challenges that have long constrained our growth. It should have served as a declaration of public commitment to quality education. Instead, the veto message appeared to downplay our achievements and dismiss the significance of our 120-year legacy. PUP has consistently fulfilled its mandate—producing principled, competent, and socially committed graduates who form the backbone of our national workforce, especially within public service. Our graduates are in every government agency and in top companies in every vital industry here and abroad. Surveys on most preferred graduates by employers in the country in the last ten years unfailingly place PUP graduates at the very top of the list – ahead of UP and elite private universities. 

Beyond Metrics: Our Record Speaks

While the SUC Leveling system is a recognized metric for evaluating performance, it must be seen in proper context. According to CHED’s Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance (OIQAG), PUP retained its SUC Level III status, just a few points shy of Level IV. Unfortunately, this was not implemented in 2019, and our budget continued to reflect our older Level II classification—leading to the loss of plantilla positions and weakening our institutional capacity. Worse, no SUC leveling has been convened since 2016.

Despite this, we have moved forward. International recognition continues to affirm the strength of our programs. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has awarded PUP a 3-star rating. We jumped 20 places in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), now ranking 250th globally. Under the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, PUP was ranked in 16 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with strong performance in areas like No Poverty, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Reduced Inequalities.

Locally, we are equally recognized. The Association of Accredited Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACUP) gave us Level III Accreditation Status for our program offerings. The Civil Service Commission granted PUP a Level II Maturity under its PRIME-HRM Program. We recorded a 100% resolution rate for 8888 complaints under the Anti-Red Tape Authority. Our compliance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) policy remains exemplary. More recently, the Office of the President is set to bestow the University is first Philippine Quality Award (PQA), and our graduates consistently top licensure exams and surpass national passing rates—testaments to our academic integrity and excellence.

Legitimate Campuses with a Mandate to Serve

The PUP campuses in Mariveles, Bataan; Lopez and Mulanay in Quezon; Maragondon, Cavite; Sto. Tomas City, Batangas; Taguig City; Ragay, Camarines Sur; and Unisan, Quezon, were all established in accordance with Section 11 of Presidential Decree No. 1341, which directs PUP to expand access to education through regional branches. These campuses have been in operation, with funding support from the national government, long before the creation of CHED in 1994.

Other satellite campuses in Biñan, Calauan, and San Pedro in Laguna; General Luna in Quezon; and Pulilan and Sta. Maria in Bulacan are maintained with the support of their respective local government units. These campuses continue to perform well, especially in licensure examinations and program accreditations, and remain vital to regional access to higher education.

Not in Opposition of CHED

Our pursuit of National Polytechnic University status should not be interpreted as a challenge to CHED’s regulatory authority. On the contrary, NPU empowers PUP to innovate, modernize, and enhance its educational offerings while remaining accountable to national standards. NPU status should allow CHED to serve not merely as a regulator but as an enabler of educational advancement—for PUP and for all state universities and colleges (SUCs).

The NPU Bill would have addressed multiple critical needs: sustained funding for infrastructure and modernization, expansion of access to underserved communities, strengthening of governance structures, regularization of long-serving staff and faculty, and insulation of our campuses from political interference. These goals align with national development, not detract from it.

A Denied Investment in the Future

We have spent years rigorously justifying our eligibility for the NPU status and the proposed ₱100 million annual support for five years. We are more than deserving. Denying PUP this support will have real and immediate consequences: students may lose access to safe and functional learning spaces; faculty and staff may face job insecurity; programs may be suspended or downsized; research and innovation may be derailed; and the most vulnerable communities will suffer from lost opportunities.

We Move Forward

And yet, as it always has, the Sintang Paaralan will endure. We will transform this setback into a renewed commitment to justice, transparency, and educational equity. We will continue to resist corruption and reject the patronage politics that hinder the public education system. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide accessible, transformative, and inclusive learning for all.

Let this be a wake-up call. Every day that this legislation remains unsigned is another day education is treated as a privilege instead of a right. We are losing time, losing minds, and losing futures.

As a united community, we stand firm in supporting the immediate passage of the National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill. We urge the Philippine government to recognize this legislation as a national priority—not just as an institutional milestone, but as a clear and unequivocal public commitment to quality, accessible, inclusive, and relevant education for all Filipinos.

Moreover, the PUP community reaffirms its dedication to working collectively towards the achievement of NPU status. We commit to embodying exemplary servant leadership, especially amid these difficult times.

Together, we remain resolute: for every learner, every campus, and the future of Philippine Public Higher Education.

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