THE Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (Nonescost) in Sagay City was initially found compliant with all institutional requirements to become a university after the onsite validation of the composite team from the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) and the bi-cameral Committee on Higher and Technical Education last week.

This is one of the requirements of Nonescost as it continues its bid to become the first university in northern Negros.

During the five-day activity from November 15 to 19, the Ched Composite Team and representatives from the Senate and House of Representatives concluded that Nonescost is compliant with all institutional requirements, however, there are still compliances to work out for specific program offerings.

There were 20 validators who inspected Nonescost including Ched Executive Director Cinderella Jaro and Ched-Western Visayas Director Raul Alvarez.

If Nonescost becomes a university, it will be named the State University of Northern Negros (Sunn).

Nonescost President Renante Egcas, in his message, highlighted the programs and activities undertaken by the school to ensure student development and comply with the requirements for universityhood.

“While we are fixated on becoming a university, we make sure that our more focused actions are also preparing our stakeholders, especially our graduates, with a certain brand in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitude,” he said.

In June this year, Republic Act 11859, or an act converting the Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology to the State University of Northern Negros (Sunn), was enacted.

The legislation was led by former congressman and now Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva.

“This has long been our earnest aspiration to make Sagay a mecca of quality education of the north as we provide an education accessible to all,” Cueva said.

Egcas also said that he is grateful to the city government and other stakeholders that helped Nonescost to “Upgrade” which stands for University-hood, People, Governance, Production and Resource-Generation, Research, Technology and Innovation, Academic excellence, Development of sites and physical facilities, and Extension, linkages and internationalization.

“My deep appreciation to the great majority who have collectively and undoubtedly invested commitment to realize our vision for Nonescost,” he said, adding that “I will never lose sight of having a bright future for the school and for our students, as what every Sagaynon and Negrosanons aspire.”

Meanwhile, Second District Representative Alfredo Marañon III assured the institution of his full support towards the “realization of our collective dream to make Nonescost, a state college, to be a university.”

Mayor Narciso “Narwin” Javelosa Jr. also welcomed the development.

In a message, he said that Nonescost universityhood will create more opportunities for Sagaynons and neighboring cities. The validation included a courtesy call with the school president, validation of learning resources and support structures, preparation of individual reports, Ched Composite Meeting, and an exit meeting with school officials. (PR)