Legal Bases
Article XIV, Section 1, of the Philippine Constitution, provides that the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make accessible to all. Likewise, Republic Act 7722 or the Higher Education Act of 1994 (RA 7722) has the following mandates for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED):
- Promote quality education;
- Take appropriate steps to ensure that education shall be accessible to all; and,
- Ensure and protect academic freedom for the continuing intellectual growth, the advancement of learning and research, the development of responsible and effective leadership, the education of high level professionals, and the enrichment of historical and cultural heritage.
CHED’s mandate suggests that all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines shall serve as a key player in the education and integral formation of professionally competent, service-oriented, principled and productive citizens. Through its tri-fold functions of teaching, research and extension services, it is important for HEIs to be prime movers of the nation’s socio-economic growth and sustainable development.