BukSU joins EDCOM II–AACCUP Strategic Dialogue on the Role of SUCs in National Learning Recovery

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) joined State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), and the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) in a strategic alignment event focused on strengthening the contribution of higher education institutions to national learning recovery, held on September 2, 2026, at the Higher Education Development Center Building on C.P. Garcia Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Representing BukSU were University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol and Ms. Astred Jill A. Catolpos, who participated in discussions on how SUCs can respond more strategically to the learning and development challenges identified by EDCOM II.

The dialogue highlighted SUCs’ critical role beyond their traditional mandates of instruction, research, and extension. As public higher education institutions embedded in their communities, SUCs were recognized as key partners in addressing foundational challenges in education, including child nutrition, literacy and learning recovery, learner well-being and mental health, inclusive education, and public education and governance.

A major focus of the discussions was assessing how SUCs can concretely contribute to implementing the recommendations of EDCOM II. Participants explored how SUCs’ expertise, research capabilities, teacher education programs, community engagement initiatives, and extension services can be better aligned with national education priorities.

The event concluded with a commitment to sustain the collaboration among AACCUP, EDCOM II, and SUCs, with the next steps expected to include another set of collaborative meetings between AACCUP and the EDCOM II Technical Working Group (TWG). These subsequent discussions will further examine appropriate mechanisms and indicators to institutionalize SUCs’ role in advancing national learning recovery. The activity strongly advances Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, particularly by strengthening learning recovery, foundational literacy, inclusive education, learner well-being, and SUCs’ capacity to respond to national education challenges. It also contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through its focus on child nutrition, mental health, and learner welfare; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by promoting inclusive and equitable education; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the continuing collaboration among SUCs, CHED, AACCUP, and EDCOM II in integrating learning recovery into quality assurance and institutional practice.

As the country responds to persistent learning challenges, this strategic alignment underscores a shared direction: SUCs must not only produce graduates but also actively help solve the foundational education challenges that shape the country’s future. (Astred Jill A. Catolpos/ Head, Presidential Technical Operations)