PANABO CITY – The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE) has approved the proposed measure seeking to convert Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) into Davao del Norte State University (DNSU). The development came during the Committee’s Fourth Regular Meeting held on November 25, 2025, at the Women Legislators’ Lounge, 2nd Floor, South Wing Annex, House of Representatives.
The Committee conducted its deliberation on House Bill No. 5305, or “An Act Converting Davao del Norte State College in Panabo City, Davao del Norte into a State University and Appropriating Funds Therefor”. The bill is sponsored by Davao del Norte 1st District Representative De Carlo L. Uy and Davao del Norte 2nd District Representative Jose Manuel F. Lagdameo, both of whom emphasized the importance of elevating DNSC’s institutional status to better serve the region.
Rep. De Carlo “Oyo” Uy, one of the principal authors, highlighted the long-standing impact of DNSC on the province’s human capital and local industries.
“Sulod sa pila katuig, dako kaayong tabang ang DNSC sa lokal nga kalamboan: gikan sa pag-produce og competent graduates hangtod sa fisheries, agriculture research, ug community programs. Ang pag-convert sa DNSC ngadto sa usa ka state university makatabang sa mas taas nga lebel sa pagtudlo, research, ug inobasyon alang sa atong probinsya,” Uy said.
Once enacted, the conversion of DNSC into a state university is expected to strengthen higher education offerings, expand academic and research opportunities, and support the province’s long-term development goals.
Present in the deliberation were DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa, Director for Institutional Planning and Project Development Division Joshua P. Elardo, and Director for Finance Services Division Marck Lester L. Navales.
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