PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11169 which elevated a technological school into a comprehensive state university.
The new law renamed the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) to Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) and amended its charter.
DHVSU will now be able to offer new courses in the fields of Liberal Arts, Legal Management, Law, Medicine, Allied Sciences, and Health-related programs in the near future.
RA 11169 amended RA 9832, which had converted the Don Honorio Ventura School of Arts and Trade into the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University.
Under Section 3 of RA 9832, the university offered courses limited to education, engineering, science and technology, arts and humanities, computer education and other programs within its areas of specialization and capabilities.
Pampanga Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., who was behind RA 9832, said the new law will allow the university to offer additional courses in the liberal arts, medical and allied medical fields on top of those allowed under RA 9832.
Specifically, the programs which are responsive to the needs of both the society and industry are envisioned to be integrated in the existing offerings of the university like BS in Nursing, BS in Pharmacy, BS in Medical Technology, BS in Physical Therapy, AB Political Science, AB Philosophy, and AB Mass Communication among others.
"It will likewise help the university in realizing its aspiration of nurturing individuals who will possess the foundations for learning throughout life, the competence to engage in gainful work and be productive, and the values and abilities to coexist in prolific harmony with local and global communities,” Gonzales said.
“Most importantly, the institution shall contribute beneficially to the government’s essential strategy to fight poverty and foster national competitiveness by accomplishing its mission of lifting economically and socially marginalized Filipinos out of indigence," Gonzales added.
Duterte signed the bill into law in early January, after it was approved by both houses of Congress. (Ian Ocampo Flora)