THE Commission on Higher Education-Davao Region (Ched-Davao) has approved an additional 250 student slots for Samal Island City College (SICC).
During a courtesy call on Island Garden City of Samal Mayor Lemuel T. Reyes on Monday, July 15, 2025, Ched-Davao Regional director, Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, approved the additional student slots at SICC.
Ched also expressed its support for the ongoing construction of new classrooms to accommodate the increasing number of enrollees at the institution.
During the meeting, Ched presented several recommendations to improve SICC, including the development of a unique academic program aligned with the identity of the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos).
Reyes affirmed the local government unit’s commitment to meet the standards of Ched and its requirements, including plans to apply for a Level 1 accreditation, to further improve SICC.
Earlier, on July 12, 2025, SICC released a statement regarding the number of first-year students it would be admitting for the academic year 2025–2026. The school announced that it would only be admitting 250 students, in line with its current carrying capacity.
SICC explained that the decision to limit admissions was made to maintain the total student population at 3,700, which is the college’s present capacity. The school asked for the public’s understanding and assured residents that it remains committed to providing access to affordable and quality education.
“Rest assured that we are working closely with the Local Government Unit of Igacos to significantly expand our carrying capacity and accommodate more students in the future. In fact, there are ongoing infrastructure projects in SICC that will surely increase our carrying capacity,” SICC said.
SICC has produced a total of 663 graduates since its first commencement exercises in 2023.
SICC was officially established in 2018 through City Ordinance No. 2018-296 and was confirmed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao del Norte via Resolution No. 2018-775.RGP