BU College of Dental Medicine

13/05/2026

𝐁𝐔𝐂𝐃𝐌 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒 | 𝐀.𝐘. 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The 𝘽𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙡 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚 successfully held its 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 on 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, at the 𝑩𝑼 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 – 𝑨𝒎𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝑩𝑼 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒔, 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒑𝒊 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚, carrying the theme, “𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒔-𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆, 𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔.”

The ceremony formally commenced with the processional of the awardees and faculty members, followed by the opening remarks of the Dean of the College of Dental Medicine, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐀. 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨, who warmly welcomed everyone and emphasized the significance of recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service within the college community.

Messages of inspiration were also delivered by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐚 𝐁. 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬, highlighting the importance of nurturing students who embody both competence and values in an increasingly digital world. Representing the University President, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐈𝐈, the Dean of the Office of Student Affairs and Services, 𝐌𝐬. 𝐉𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐓. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥, reminded the students to continuously uphold the four pillars of the university — 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫, and 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞.

The keynote speaker, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐞, delivered an inspiring keynote address that encouraged students to persevere through challenges, remain grounded in their purpose, and continue striving for excellence not only as students, but also as future professionals committed to serving the community with compassion and integrity.

The highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of the 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭’𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐬, and 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬. These recognitions celebrated students who have demonstrated exemplary performance in academics, leadership, and service, reflecting the ideals and excellence upheld by the college.

Representing the awardees, 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐱 𝐋. 𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐨, President’s Lister, delivered her response message, expressing gratitude to the faculty, families, and fellow students who became part of their academic journey and success.

To conclude the program, the closing remarks were delivered by the BU CDM Program Chair, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐧 𝐌. 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐳, who commended the students for their hard work and reminded them to continue carrying the values of excellence, resilience, and service as they move forward in their professional journey.

Indeed, the 2nd Recognition Rites became not only a celebration of achievements, but also a testament to the commitment of the BU College of Dental Medicine in cultivating competent, compassionate, and values-driven future dental professionals.

𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕, 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒇𝒖𝒍. 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝑩𝑼𝑪𝑫𝑴 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒔!

07/05/2026

𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄 | 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚 proudly presents its 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗲𝘀 for 𝗔.𝗬. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 in recognition of the dedication, commitment, and service of the officers of the College Student Council to the BUCDM community.

Through their 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 and 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 for serving the student body, these officers have continuously gone beyond their responsibilities to contribute to the growth and welfare of the BUCDM community. Their efforts and sacrifices have greatly helped in strengthening the council’s initiatives and fostering meaningful service to fellow students.

Your commitment to leadership and service continues to inspire the BUCDM community.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙨!

07/05/2026

𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄 | 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚 takes great pride in honoring the 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 who have demonstrated excellence across various aspects of their education. This year’s distinctions; including the 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, recognize those who have gone above and beyond in pursuing excellence for the profession.

These recognitions celebrate the scholars who have truly set themselves apart through their commitment to their studies and their holistic development as future leaders.

𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆. 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆!

07/05/2026

𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄 | 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀.𝐘. 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚 remains steadfast in its commitment to training future dental professionals across various year levels. As students develop their clinical and academic foundations, their 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱, being clearly reflected in their performance and accomplishments.

With this, the institution honors 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-, 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝-, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 for demonstrating such 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 academic performance even in the face of challenges. Their performance reflects growth shaped by persistence, discipline, and commitment to their studies. Alongside their academic standing, they stand as 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙨 to their peers showing that excellence is expressed through various paths and efforts.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒔!

07/05/2026

𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗗𝗠 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀

BUCDM once again celebrates a significant feat as it holds its 𝟮𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙍𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙨, highlighting the achievements of the college's aspiring dental professionals on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 (𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆) 𝗮𝘁 𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠.

This occasion not only recognizes scholastic achievement but also values dedication and perseverance. As you move forward, may you carry your training with you and continue to serve with empathy as you journey toward becoming dental professionals.

𝙏𝙤 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨. 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚!🦷🎓✨

20/04/2026

BU CDM ANNOUNCEMENT | APRIL 20, 2026

RESCHEDULING OF THE DEXTERITY TEST AND INTERVIEW Due to the planned transport strike on April 21-22, 2026 the dexterity test and interview originally scheduled for those dates are postponed. The new dates are:

APRIL 21, 2026 →APRIL 27, 2026
APRIL 22, 2026 →APRIL 28, 2026

All other details (times, venues, required materials) remain the same. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

DR. SHARLENE A. LUCILLO, MSPH Dean

18/03/2026

BU CDM ANNOUNCEMENT

Informing all applicants for the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) that you are required to take the Dexterity Test and Interview to be conducted by the college.

The schedule for these tests and other instructions will be sent to your email no later than April 17, 2026. Should you not receive one, please feel free to message us at [email protected]

SHARLENE A. LUCILLO, DMD, MSPH
Dean,

BU CDM ANNOUNCEMENT

Informing all applicants for the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) that you are required to take the Dexterity Test and Interview to be conducted by the college.

The schedule for these tests and other instructions will be sent to your email no later than April 17, 2026. Should you not receive one, please feel free to message us at [email protected]

SHARLENE A. LUCILLO, DMD, MSPH
Dean,

17/10/2025

As we welcome the second week of October, let us take this opportunity to highlight the significance of 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻—essential foundations in building a stronger, healthier, and more mindful nation.

With the theme “𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡: 𝐁𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝,” the observance of 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 reminds us that health is holistic—it extends beyond the physical and mental aspects to include every facet of our well-being.

In embracing this holistic view, we are also reminded that 𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 is a vital part of overall health. The mouth serves as the gateway to the body, and maintaining good 𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐲𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐞 helps prevent not only dental problems but also conditions that can affect our nutrition, confidence, and general wellness. A 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 is a reflection of a 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 and 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱.

Living a healthy life begins with cultivating 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀 that create meaningful change.

By embracing these 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀, we not only strengthen our own well-being but also contribute to a 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲.

𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅, 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆.

11/10/2025

As we start off the month of October, let us recognize the 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 of our nation.

With the theme "𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐞: 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞", we meaningfully celebrate the invaluable contributions, sacrifices, and wisdom of our elderly Filipinos. Through this week-long celebration every 1st week of October, the 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 becomes an opportunity to rekindle appreciation for the wisdom of age while shedding light to the challenges they face on their overall well-being.

In line with this, we are reminded that caring for our elderly also means ensuring their oral health and proper nutrition. Promoting good oral hygiene and healthy eating habits will help our elders live comfortably, so let us encourage nutritious choices, regular dental checkups, and genuine care for our elderly community.

𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆, 𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼:
| 𝑷𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

28/09/2025

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝑾𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑫𝒓. 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒐!

Her wisdom lights the path of both students and faculty, her dedication raises the standards of our profession, and her compassion leaves an indelible mark on every life she touches. She embodies the very ideals of excellence, service, and integrity, and through her example, we are constantly inspired to pursue greatness.

May this day be a reflection of the joy she brings to others, and may the year ahead be filled with blessings, fulfillment, and the continued success of all she has built and nurtured.

With deepest gratitude and admiration,
𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚

27/09/2025

PRESS RELEASE

“Free college education must be fully funded”- Legarda

Despite the suspension of official budget proceedings due to heavy rains, Senator Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, hosted a dialogue with presidents of state universities and colleges (SUCs) on Friday, 26 September 2025.

Joining her were Senator Win Gatchalian, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and Congressman Leandro Legarda Leviste, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations. Together, they affirmed their shared commitment to strengthening support for higher education institutions nationwide. Also present was Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis.

The dialogue focused on the ₱12.3 billion cumulative deficiency in Free Higher Education allocations from 2022 to 2025, as flagged by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC). This gap resulted from the Department of Budget and Management’s use of prior year’s actual enrollment instead of the projected enrollment mandated by the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931).

“A deficiency like this should not stand in the way of our students. Dreams must not be stalled by budget shortfalls. Free Higher Education is not an option, it is the law,” Legarda said. “It must be funded according to projected enrollment, as the law requires. Any failure to do so means leaving students behind, and that is unacceptable.”

Legarda welcomed the House’s commitment to address the deficiency in the 2026 national budget, with ₱7.82 billion proposed to be sourced from the Commission on Higher Education’s Higher Education Development Fund and ₱4.49 billion from other available funding sources.

Looking ahead, Legarda underscored the need to permanently correct the computation in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to ensure that Free Higher Education is fully funded every year. She pressed for the precise deficiency under the 2026 National Expenditure Program—beyond the ₱12.3 billion already identified for years 2022 to 2025—to be clearly determined and fully addressed in the 2026 GAA. At the same time, she called for greater transparency and accountability in SUC budget use, with stronger safeguards for fund disbursement and streamlined compliance requirements.

For the more than seventy (70) SUC presidents in attendance, the meeting was a vital step in securing the resources needed to strengthen academic programs, upgrade facilities, and expand access to learners across the country. By ensuring that Free Higher Education is properly funded, SUCs can continue not only producing competent graduates and relevant research, but also advancing science and innovation, fostering critical and creative thinking, strengthening technical and vocational capacities, preserving cultural heritage, and serving as engines of local and regional development.

“We cannot turn our backs on students to whom we have promised Free Higher Education,” Legarda said. “That promise must be honored fully and without compromise because there is no greater investment than education to alleviate poverty. Every Filipino child deserves a future shaped by knowledge, not defined by lack of opportunity and resources.”

Even before the passage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act that Legarda co-authored and co-sponsored, the four-term Senator had already moved to make free tuition for college students possible. As the then Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, she championed proper allocation of government resources to cover tuition fees of students across all SUCs, proving that transformative reform can be achieved through strategic, people-focused budgeting. Legarda later ensured the law’s full implementation in its first year, reflecting her long-standing commitment to making higher education accessible to every Filipino.

———
Libreng edukasyon sa kolehiyo, dapat ganap na pondohan – Legarda

Sa kabila ng pagsuspinde ng mga deliberasyon sa pambansang badyet dahil sa malakas na pag-ulan, pinangunahan ni Senadora Loren Legarda, Chairperson ng Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, ang isang dayalogo kasama ang mga pangulo ng state universities and colleges (SUCs) noong Biyernes, ika-26 ng Setyembre 2025.

Kasama ni Legarda sina Senador Sherwin Gatchalian, Chairperson ng Senate Finance Committee, at Congressman Leandro Legarda Leviste, Vice Chair ng House Committee on Appropriations. Sama-sama nilang pinagtibay ang kanilang kolektibong paninindigan na palakasin ang suporta para sa mga institusyong pangmataas na edukasyon sa buong bansa. Dumalo rin si Dr. Shirley Agrupis, Tagapangulo ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Ang dayalogo ay nakatuon sa ₱12.3 bilyong kabuuang kakulangan sa alokasyon para sa Free Higher Education mula taong 2022 hanggang 2025, ayon sa Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC). Ang kakulangan na ito ay resulta ng paggamit ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ng aktuwal na bilang ng mga estudyanteng naka-enroll sa nakaraang taon, sa halip na projected enrollment na itinatakda ng Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931).

“Ang ganitong kakulangan ay hindi dapat maging hadlang sa ating mga estudyante. Hindi dapat mapigil ang mga pangarap dahil sa kakulangan sa badyet. Ang Free Higher Education ay hindi opsyon—ito ay batas,” pahayag ni Legarda. “Dapat itong pondohan batay sa tinatayang bilang ng enrollment, gaya ng itinatakda ng batas. Ang anumang pagkukulang sa pondo ay nangangahulugang may mga estudyanteng maiiwan, at hindi ito katanggap-tanggap.”

Malugod na tinanggap ni Legarda ang pangako ng Kamara na tugunan ang kakulangan sa 2026 National Budget, kung saan ₱7.82 bilyon ang mungkahing kukunin mula sa Higher Education Development Fund ng CHED, at ₱4.49 bilyon mula sa iba pang mapagkukunan ng pondo.

Sa pagtanaw sa hinaharap, binigyang-diin ni Legarda ang pangangailangang itama nang permanente ang paraan ng pagkukuwenta sa 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), upang matiyak na ang Free Higher Education ay ganap na napopondohan taon-taon. Iginiit niyang dapat malinaw na matukoy at matugunan ang eksaktong kakulangan sa ilalim ng 2026 National Expenditure Program—lampas pa sa ₱12.3 bilyon na naitala para sa mga taong 2022 hanggang 2025—at maisama ito nang buo sa 2026 GAA. Kasabay nito, nanawagan siya ng mas mataas na antas ng transparency at accountability.

Para sa mahigit pitumpung (70) pangulo ng mga state universities and colleges (SUCs) na dumalo, ang pagpupulong ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang matiyak ang sapat na pondo para sa pagpapalakas ng mga akademikong programa, pagpapahusay ng mga pasilidad, at pagpapalawak ng akses sa mga mag-aaral sa buong bansa. Sa wastong pagpopondo ng Free Higher Education, magpapatuloy ang mga SUC hindi lamang sa paglikha ng mga bihasang gradwado at makabuluhang pananaliksik, kundi pati sa pagsusulong ng agham at inobasyon, pagpapalalim ng kritikal at malikhaing pag-iisip, pagpapalakas ng teknikal at bokasyonal na kakayahan, pangangalaga sa kulturang pamana, at pagiging tagapagpaunlad ng lokal at rehiyonal na ekonomiya.

“Hindi natin maaaring talikuran ang mga estudyanteng pinangakuan natin ng Free Higher Education.” giit ni Legarda. “Ang pangakong ito ay dapat tuparin nang buo at walang kompromiso, sapagkat walang mas mahalagang pamumuhunan kaysa sa edukasyon upang labanan ang kahirapan. Ang bawat batang Pilipino ay karapat-dapat sa kinabukasang hinubog ng kaalaman—hindi ng kakulangan sa oportunidad at yaman.”

Bago pa man maipasa ang Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act na kanyang co-authored at co-sponsored, isinulong na ni Legarda ang libreng matrikula para sa mga estudyante sa kolehiyo. Bilang dating Tagapangulo ng Senate Committee on Finance, pinangunahan niya ang tamang alokasyon ng pondo ng pamahalaan upang sagutin ang matrikula ng mga estudyante sa lahat ng SUC—patunay na ang makabuluhang reporma ay maaaring maisakatuparan sa pamamagitan ng estratehikong badyet na nakatuon sa tao. Tiniyak din ni Legarda ang ganap na pagpapatupad ng batas sa unang taon nito, bilang patunay ng kanyang matagal nang paninindigan na gawing abot-kamay ang mataas na edukasyon para sa bawat Pilipino. (30)