Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS
First Regular Session
2358

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
3" Congressional District, Camarines Sur

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is constitutionally
mandated tasked with ensuring quality and accessible higher education
nationwide. To effectively deliver services, CHED must establish satellite offices
in key educational centers.

In the Bicol Region, while CHED's Regional Office (RO- V) is in Legazpi
City, its distance creates significant burdens for students, educators, and
administrators, especially those in and around Naga City, Camarines Sur. A one-
way journey of 95 kilometers or more would now take at least three (3) hours, in
light of the increased traffic around certain municipalities between Camarines Sur
and Albay. Consequently, a round trip consumes a full day or more, generating
substantial time, financial expense, and considerable inconvenience.

It must also be noted that Naga City is a major educational hub, home to
numerous large universities serving a vast student population from across the
region. The current need to travel to Legazpi for services like scholarship
applications, program accreditation, and consultations causes tangible delays,
increased costs, and hinders engagement.

Establishing a local CHED office in Naga City would not only alleviate these
travel burdens but also strengthen decentralization, extending educational
support beyond the regional capital. It would allow CHED to better understand
and respond to the unique needs of higher education institutions in the Western
part of the Bicol Region.

1


In light of the foregoing, this bill proposes to establish a CHED satellite
office in Naga City. This strategic move will ensure more inclusive, efficient, and
responsive educational service delivery, bringing CHED's vital functions closer to
its constituents. This will further enhance access to educational opportunities,
improve service quality, and contribute significantly to the Bicol Region's human
capital and socio-economic development.

The immediate passage of this beneficial measure is earnestly sought.

Zamarines Sur

Representative, 3rd Dy


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5
House Bill No. 2358

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
3" Congressional District, Camarines Sur

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SATELLITE OFFICE OF THE
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) IN NAGA CITY,
PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS

THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Establishment of the CHED — Naga City Satellite Office. There shall
be an established provincial office of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
in Naga City, Province of Camarines Sur, to be known as the CHED - Naga City
Satellite Office, which shall exercise jurisdiction over the city of Naga and shall
beheaded by a City Director. The CHED - Naga City Satellite Office shall be
physically located in Naga City, Province of Camarines Sur.

SECTION 2. Functions. The Chairperson of the CHED shall immediately
include in the CHED's programs the operationalization of the CHED-Naga City
Satellite Office. The CHED - Naga City Satellite Office shall perform functions as
delegated by the CHED Central Office, including but not limited to:

(a) Providing localized information and assistance regarding CHED
programs, policies, and requirements;


(b) Facilitating applications for various CHED-supervised programs
and scholarships;

(c) Monitoring and evaluating higher education institutions within
its jurisdiction;
(d) Serving as a direct liaison between CHED and higher education

stakeholders in Naga City and its surrounding areas; and

(e) Performing such other functions as may be necessary to carry out
the mandate of CHED.

SECTION 3. Funding. The amount necessary for the initial
operationalization of the CHED - Naga City Satellite Office shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act for the ensuing fiscal year following the
approval of this Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued
operation, maintenance, and expansion shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the CHED, in
coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), shall
determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern for the CHED - Naga
City Satellite Office. The said organizational structure and staffing pattern shall be
submitted to the Chairperson of the CHED and the Secretary of the DBM for
approval.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall, in
consultation with relevant stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Separability Cause. If any provision or part hereof, is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 6. Repealing Cause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, and administrative regulations or parts thereof inconsistent
herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,