CHTE approves landmark bills for USTP Main Campus and S&T Parks development
By Anne Lorraine R. Sitoy, STRATCOMM, USTP System
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The Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE) of the House of Representatives approved several bills seeking to fund the development of the Main Campus of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental (USTP Alubijid) and to establish development funds for the university’s Science and Technology (S&T) Parks.
The measures were approved during the committee’s 10th Regular Meeting held on March 3, 2026, at the Speaker De Venecia Hall, House of Representatives, Quezon City.
The following bills were presented for deliberation:
- HB No. 6645 – An Act Appropriating the Amount of One Billion Pesos (PhP 1,000,000,000.00) to be Used for the Infrastructure Development of the Alubijid Campus of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, authored by Representatives Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.
- HB No. 6667 – An Act Establishing the Science and Technology (S&T) Parks Development Fund (STPDF) for the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTSP), and Appropriating Funds Therefor, authored by Representatives Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.
- HB No. 6668 – An Act Establishing the Techno-Parks Development Fund (TPDF) for the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTSP), and Appropriating Funds Therefor, authored by Representatives Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.
- HB No. 7681 – An Act Establishing the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTSP) Science and Technology Parks Development Fund (STPDF), Providing for its Governance and Utilization, and Appropriating Funds Therefor, authored by Deputy Speaker Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano
- HB No. 7683 – An Act Appropriating One Billion Pesos (PhP 1,000,000,000.00) for the Infrastructure Development of the Alubijid Campus of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, authored by Deputy Speaker Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano
During the meeting, the committee moved to consolidate and approve HB Nos. 6645 and 7683, subject to style and amendments. It also consolidated and approved HB Nos. 6667, 6668, and 7681, likewise subject to style and amendments.
Rep. Jude A. Acidre, chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education, noted that Republic Act 10919, which established USTP, already provides the legal basis for the development of the university’s S&T Parks, particularly in Alubijid and Claveria.
Rep. Jude A. Acidre, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE)
Meanwhile, Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr., Representative of the ABAMIN Partylist, emphasized the role of Techno Parks in bridging education and employment.
“We have to develop the park because the concept is we provide education and yet we should also provide work and labor [opportunities],” Rep. Rodriguez said. He also emphasized that a techno park combines classroom learning with actual industry engagement, where business locators can develop and market their products and eventually provide employment to the graduates.
Rep. Edwin L. Cruzado, M.D., District Representative of the 1st District of Cotabato (left) and Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr., Representative of ABAMIN Partylist (right)
In behalf of Deputy Speaker Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, District Representative of the 2nd District of Misamis Oriental, Rep. Edwin L. Cruzado, M.D., District Representative of the 1st District of Cotabato, conveyed Rep. Emano’s statement in support of the measure.
“I respectfully urge this chamber and our resource persons, particularly those concerned with managing our nation’s financial resources, to view this measure not merely as expenditure but as a strategic investment — investment in food security, energy sufficiency, technological advancement, and most importantly, in the human capital of Mindanao,” Rep. Emano stated.
Engr. Reuel C. Pallugna, General Manager of the USTP Science and Technology Parks, presented the USTP’s position paper on behalf of University President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II.
Engr. Reuel C. Pallugna, General Manager of the USTP Science and Technology Parks, representing University President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II
Representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) also expressed support for the passage of the measures while providing comments and recommendations.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it would provide comprehensive comments and recommendations and suggested obtaining additional inputs from the Department of Finance.
“While we can approve in principle the basis and appropriateness of other parts of the measures, the actual earmarking of funds as well as the amounts set therein will be dependent on the Committee on Appropriations,” Rep. Acidre said.
The approved measures will now be forwarded to the Committee on Appropriations for further deliberation and concurrence.
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