Two bills that would enhance the capabilities of a century-old university in Pampanga are nearing Senate approval following their successful passage on Second Reading on January 28.
The first measure, Committee Report No. (CRN) 434, aims to rename the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) to Pampanga State University.
It also expands the school’s academic offerings, restructures its governing board, and strengthens its institutional capacity.
The second, CRN 433, proposes to elevate the university’s satellite campus in the City of San Fernando into a full-fledged regular campus.
This will provide more local students with access to higher education.
Both bills have passed the Second Reading with some amendments from the Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, inching them closer to final Senate approval.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who chairs the committee, first sponsored the bills on the Senate floor just over a month ago.
Founded in 1861, DHVSU has evolved over the years from a school of arts and trades into a Level III state university.
Cayetano pointed out that the university, which operates with a main campus in Bacolor and seven other campuses, has been working with a “humble budget.”
Expanding DHVSU’s resources and academic programs, he said, would support Pampanga’s growing economy by developing a skilled workforce.
“Alam naman po natin that Clark is in Pampanga and Tarlac, and the Bulacan Airport is also a neighbor,” he said.
Cayetano emphasized that these bills are part of a broader effort to ensure better and more equitable access to education for students, especially those from lower-income families.
“Kung hindi ka pinanganak sa mayamang pamilya or you’re not born at the right place at the right time, in the richest cities, will you have the same opportunity of finishing college?” he asked.
“This is one thing that Don Honorio Ventura State University wants with the two House Bills,” he added.
