ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION

Based on the Revised Policies and Procedures on Student Admission, Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) follows several legal bases in admitting students. These guidelines aim to ensure accessible and equal quality education for all students, with non-discriminatory practices in all processes and procedures.

1. Republic Act No. 10931 or “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act”
It is an act promoting universal access to quality tertiary education in both private and public educational institutions. Priority must be given to students who are academically able and come from poor families. They must comply with the Admission Process set by the SUCs/LUCs (The Law Phil Project, 2016).

2. Republic Act No. 8371 or “The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997”
It is an act that recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). Regardless of their sex, they shall enjoy the full measure of human rights and freedom without distinction or discrimination. They must have equal access to various cultural opportunities through the educational system, public or private cultural entities, scholarships, grants, and other incentives without prejudice (GovPH, 1997).

3. Republic Act No. 11310 or “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act”
It is an act institutionalizing 4Ps. It also states that congress shall provide the highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good. They must achieve universal primary education and ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all (The LawPhil Project, 2018).

4. Republic Act No. 777 or “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons”
It is an act stating that disabled individuals have the same rights as those who are not. They must live freely and as independently as possible. Disabled persons’ rights must never be perceived as welfare services by the government. The state shall advocate and encourage respect for disabled persons. Social, cultural, economic, environmental, and attitudinal barriers that are prejudicial must be removed. National Government departments, offices, agencies, or non-government organizations are involved in practicing this act (National Council on Disability Affairs, 1991).

5. Republic Act No. 8972 or “Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000”
It is an act that promotes family as the foundation of the nation, strengthens its solidarity, and ensures its total development. Programs for solo parents must be carried out by different agencies, either government or nongovernment including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

6. Administrative Order No. 10, April 03, 2018, or “Enhancement of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)”
This is an Administrative Order centralizing all government efforts for the reintegration of former rebels. Government shall have a comprehensive, integrated, and community-based national program that is locally implemented to address former rebels’ legal status and security. Efforts shall be given to promote and secure their economic, social, and psychological rehabilitation needs. Long-term interventions that are supported by the institution should be provided to them (The Law PhilProject, 2018).

7. Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA)
PAMANA has the objectives of (a) addressing issues of injustices and improving community access to socio-economic interventions; (b) improving governance by building the capacity of national government agencies and local government units for a conflict-sensitive, peace-promoting, culture-sensitive and gender-sensitive approach to human rights promotion and development; and, (c) empowering communities and strengthening their capacities to address issues of conflict and peace. It was launched as a support to the Peace Negotiation Track and contributes to attaining Just and lasting Peace. CHED is one of its implementing agencies. (Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, 2016).

8. Student’s Pledge
Upon admission, the applicant shall read and affix his/her signature signifying his/her conformity with the following pledge: “In consideration of my admission to SLSU and of the privileges of students in this institution, I hereby pledge to abide by and comply with all the rules and regulations laid down by the University and by the college/campus in which I am enrolled.”

9. CHED Memorandum Order no. 15 Series of 2019 or “Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for Graduate Programs”
“Following the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, otherwise known as the ‘Higher Education Act of 1994,’ in pursuance of an outcomes-based quality assurance system, in alignment with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), and under Referendum No. R070-2019 dated December 19, 2019, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) adopts and promulgates general policies, standards, and guidelines (PSGs) for graduate programs.”

10. KRA 1: Access and Equity of SUC Levelling Criteria, Point System, and Implementing Guidelines
The Proposed SUC Levelling Criteria, Point System, and Implementing Guidelines indicated that SUCs should execute affirmative action in enhancing the access of disadvantaged students; Indigenous People Members (IPs), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs); students from public schools; and students from depressed areas; and students whose family income falls below the poverty threshold.

“As publicly-funded higher education institutions, SUCs shall ensure equitable access to quality higher education for all, including the disadvantaged but deserving of a tertiary education qualification.”