Surigao Norte State U to open Dinagat Islands campus
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Deed of Usufruct for the extension campus of the Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) in the Province of Dinagat Islands recently took place in Surigao City.
The documents, signed by Dinagat Islands Gov. Nilo P. Demerey Jr., and SNSU President Rowena P. Plando, formalized the acceptance of students starting in August for the academic year 2025-2026 for pilot courses in Environmental Science, Marine Biology, and Forestry.
Demerey announced that while awaiting fund availability for the campus construction in Barangay Llamera, Libjo town, Cuarantinta National High School in San Jose town will serve as the temporary site for the pioneer tertiary students.
He also shared that private sectors, including a mining company, and local government units in the province have committed to support and fast-track the construction of the campus and dormitories through donations.
“I am grateful for the realization of this milestone to have extension classes in the province, a testament that quality education should be inclusive and closer to the learners of Dinagat Islands,” the governor said, recounting the endeavor’s beginnings in 2016 and the resilience of leaders and key stakeholders in overcoming challenges.
Plando underscored SNSU’s mandate to increase its extension campuses to better serve communities, especially given the rising cost of tertiary education.
“This is truly a significant milestone of a shared vision on empowering communities by bringing accessible and affordable tertiary education to Dinagat Islands. We look forward to this extension campus growing and expanding in the near future.”
The Surigao del Norte State University was established in June 1998. Its main campus is in Surigao City and it currently has three extension campuses in Del Carmen town on Siargao Island, and in Malimono and Mainit towns, all within Surigao del Norte province.
Dinagat Islands will be the state university’s fifth campus in the Caraga region. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
