PRESIDENT Duterte recently signed a law declaring May 18 of every year as “National Higher Education Day.”
The Chief Executive signed Republic Act (RA) 11522 on February 5, when Malacañang released a copy of the law declaring the 18th day of May as “National Higher Education Day” to commemorate the founding anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Created on May 18, 1994, through the passage of RA 7722, the CHED is the agency tasked to formulate and recommend development plans, priorities and programs on higher education.
It is also mandated to set minimum standards for programs and institutions of higher learning recommended by panels of experts in the field, and are subject to a public hearing.
“The CHED shall be the lead agency in-charge of the preparation and implementation of an annual program of activities and advocacy campaign for the observance of the ‘National Higher Education Day,’” the newly signed law read.
It said all higher education institutions (HEIs) shall provide full support and assistance on the preparation of the annual program of activities and events to be conducted by CHED, in observance of National Higher Education Day.
RA 11522 also directs all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, public and private educational institutions, private employers, and industry associations to accord sufficient time and opportunities for their students or employees to engage and participate in any activity related to the celebration.
The law takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, or in at least two newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes first.
RA 11522 was passed by the Upper House as Senate Bill 1216 on August 19, 2020, and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill 4851 on November 16, 2020.
Image credits: UNTV via AP