A senior House solon welcomed the elevation of UP Tacloban College into the ninth constituent university of the University of the Philippines System, calling it a major milestone for Eastern Visayas and the national university.
The approval was granted during the 1409th meeting of the UP Board of Regents at the UP Asian Institute of Tourism in Quezon City.
The decision formally recognizes UP Tacloban’s decades of academic work, public service, regional leadership, and institutional resilience, particularly as the university’s main presence in Eastern Visayas.
“This is more than an institutional milestone. It is a recognition of UP Tacloban’s maturity, excellence, resilience, and faithful service to the people of Eastern Visayas,” the legislator said.
As a constituent university, UP Tacloban is expected to gain a stronger mandate to expand its programs in higher education, research, innovation, and public service across Eastern Visayas and nearby regions.
The elevation also affirms the institution’s role in key areas such as disaster resilience, community governance, culture and heritage, regional development, and public service.
House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, a member of the UP Board of Regents and an alumnus of UP Tacloban, credited the achievement to the collective work of the university’s faculty, students, staff, alumni, administrators, and partners who helped build the institution over the years.
He also commended UP Tacloban Dean Patricia Arinto for her presentation before the Board and her leadership during the transition process.
“This achievement belongs to everyone who defended, strengthened, and believed in UP Tacloban through the years,” the party-list solon said.
The lawmaker said the elevation reflects the need to strengthen regional universities and make quality higher education more accessible to communities outside Metro Manila.
He said the move gives Eastern Visayas a stronger voice within the national university and provides a broader platform for academic excellence and public service in the region.
“The elevation of UP Tacloban as the Ninth Constituent University is a promise fulfilled and a responsibility renewed,” Acidre said. “It brings UP closer to the people. It allows excellence to grow more deeply in the regions. It gives Eastern Visayas a stronger voice in the national university.”
“Padayon, UP Tacloban. Padayon, Eastern Visayas. Congratulations to our new Constituent University!” he added.