SURALLAH, South Cotabato — Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. welcomed the progress of the bill converting South Cotabato State College (SCSC) into the province’s first state university, calling it a major step for inclusive education.
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 8627, which seeks to establish South Cotabato State University and expand access to higher education.
“This is a major milestone for inclusive education in our province,” Tamayo said, noting the conversion will strengthen free tertiary education and open more opportunities for students.
He added that becoming a university will increase the institution’s budget and allow it to offer more academic programs.
Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, author of the bill, said it is set for third and final reading when sessions resume.
“This will create more opportunities for our youth to reach their goals,” Hernandez said.
Loren Legarda is expected to file a counterpart measure in the Senate and has committed support for the university’s development, including funding for a student dormitory.
The institution, located in Surallah, started as Surallah National Agricultural School in 1975 and became a state college in 2018.
