Surigao State College of Technology converted into a university
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), is now Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU).
The R.A. 10600 was amended under R.A. 11010 enacted into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on March 27, 2018.Thereafter, the administration, faculty and staff are conscientiously working at level best to comply the university requirements set by CHED.
Top on the list of the operational requirements for its conversion is the Level III accreditation or its equivalent under CHED policies for at least four (4) of its undergraduate programs and two (2) of its graduate programs. Other requirements include ratio of qualified full-time faculty with requisite degrees to number of students, adequate library and laboratories, research and development output of practical and commercial application to the community, relevant linkages and outreach programs that are of service to the community, as well as relevant academic policies, systems and processes.
On September 29-October 1, 2021, the CHED– Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance (OIQAG) conducted the National Validation with its Composite team and Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) members from the different higher institutions in the Philippines. After the national validation, SSCT continuously works with other requirements in order to be fully compliant.
Upon complying all the requirements of a university as prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Commission En Banc approved the full conversion of Surigao State College of Technology into SURIGAO DEL NORTE STATE UNIVERSITY (SNSU).
Finally, after nine (9) long years of hard work and labor, the life-long dream of the administration, faculty, staff, students and the people of Surigao del Norte becomes a reality.
The SNSU community extends its sincerest appreciation to all the significant dignitaries who are instrumental in the conversion. The then Representatives, Francisco T. Matugas and Guillermo A. Romarate who authored HB 1718 which was enacted into law known as R.A. 10600. Representatives Francisco Jose F. Matugas II, Robert Ace S. Barbers and Ann K. Hofer who introduced HB 5150 and Sen. Chiz Escudero who sponsored such Bill which introduced some amendments to R.A. 10600. The same was signed into law known as R.A 11010 amending R.A.10600.
The administration expresses its heartfelt gratitude to CHED Chair J. Prospero E. De Vera III, the former Commissioner Perfecto A. Alibin and Commissioner Jo Mark M. Libre who steered the university towards this important milestone. Further, the academic community is extending its appreciation to the SSCT-Board of Trustees and to Cong. Mark O. Go, Chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE) and CHEDRO-13 for their unwavering support to this worthy undertaking.
“The road to university-hood is not easy, it requires clear vision and unity of its players. With the collaborative effort of the entire academic community and stakeholders, the vision of becoming the first state university in Surigao del Norte and the dream of bringing quality education to the doorstep of every surigaonon are now certain. The commitment and passion of the faculty members, staff and students are the driving force towards the realization of the conversion. Forward looking, SNSU dreams again of producing entrepreneurial graduates who can help and contribute to the progress of Surigao del Norte and to the country. All of these will contribute for our nation’s greater heights.” said Dr. Gregorio Z. Gamboa, Jr.
Surely, the SNSU community will celebrate the once difficult path that they traveled and will forever be grateful to all who were part of this historical breakthrough. (SSCT/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
