The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has granted institutional recognition to Mandaue City College (MCC), a development that moves the school closer to rejoining the government’s free tuition program.
CHED Central Visayas Regional Director Dr. Filomena Dayagbil formally handed the certification to Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, and MCC Administrator Dr. Joey Rivamonte on March 27.
The recognition, issued under Commission en banc Resolution No. 058-2026, officially acknowledges MCC as a higher education institution.
The recognition allows MCC to apply for funding under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), a key requirement for participation in the national free tuition initiative.
The city government has been covering the tuition of students since MCC was removed from the program in 2022.
“For the last three years, the Mandaue City College was disqualified. Fortunately, this year, through the collective effort of CHED, the college, and the LGU, it finally pushed through,” Ouano said.
He said the city also plans to begin construction of the college within the first half of the year, with funding already available.
“We believe that education should start early because we want Mandaue to remain a capable and competitive city,” he noted.
Dayagbil said the institutional recognition is not permanent and may be revoked if the school fails to maintain quality standards, including qualified administrators, faculty, and student outcomes.
“For example, this includes qualified administrators, faculty, and student outcomes. These are matters we will discuss with the institution. Nothing is permanent if quality is not maintained,” she said.
She added that institutions that fail to comply after being reprimanded may first receive warnings before CHED considers revoking the certificate.
“We are closely observing the mayor and the congresswoman—they are champions of education. So we are confident that quality will be retained,” Dayagbil said.
She also expressed optimism that MCC will meet the requirements for UniFAST and urged the immediate submission of documents.
“We will review it, and I will also help facilitate the process. I will follow up on its progress,” she said.
Ouano-Dizon described the recognition as a significant development for students and their families in Mandaue City.
“This is a dream that brings hope and relief to them, especially in paying tuition fees,” she said.
She also cited the cooperation between local and national government units in securing the approval.
“It is encouraging to see the local and national governments working together. When they are united, the chances of making Mandaue a more progressive city are much higher,” she added.
Rivamonte said the college will ensure compliance with CHED requirements moving forward.
“We will maintain and sustain quality education at MCC,” he said. (VCL)
