Mandaue City College (MCC) has officially reclaimed its institutional recognition from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a pivotal moment that is expected to restore its students' access to the government’s free tertiary education program. The formal handover of the Institutional Recognition (IR) certificate, marking the culmination of years of diligent compliance efforts, occurred on Friday, March 27, 2026, bringing a significant sense of relief and renewed hope to thousands of students and their families across Mandaue City.
This prestigious recognition, granted by virtue of CHED Commission en banc Resolution No. 058-2026, carries profound implications beyond a mere administrative milestone. It signifies MCC’s adherence to stringent national standards for higher education institutions, a critical prerequisite for its reintegration into the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) program. For the city, this move is a profound step towards alleviating the financial burden on its constituents, bolstering educational access, and upholding Mandaue's commitment to quality public education for its youth.
CHED Central Visayas Regional Director Dr. Filomena Dayagbil formally presented the certificate to Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, and MCC Administrator Dr. Joey Rivamonte during a ceremony. The collective presence of these leaders underscored the multi-layered significance of the achievement, symbolizing a unified front between local governance and the academic institution in pursuing a higher standard for Mandaue’s future workforce. The ceremony marked a turning point after a period of uncertainty for the college’s eligibility for national funding.
The path to this renewed recognition has been arduous for Mandaue City College, a journey characterized by dedicated efforts to align its operations and academic programs with national guidelines. In 2022, MCC, along with several other local universities and colleges across the archipelago, faced delisting from the free tuition program by CHED Region 7. This decision stemmed from the institution’s non-compliance with the comprehensive requirements stipulated under Republic Act 10931, more commonly known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. The law aims to ensure that eligible Filipino students can pursue higher education without the burden of tuition and miscellaneous fees, making compliance a crucial gateway to accessibility.
The immediate consequence of this delisting was that approximately 2,600 students attending MCC were suddenly faced with the prospect of paying tuition fees, an abrupt shift that threatened to derail their academic pursuits. Recognizing the potential financial hardship this would impose on families, the Mandaue City government commendably opted to shoulder these tuition costs. This intervention came at a substantial annual expense to the city, estimated at around P40 million, highlighting the critical role the local government played in sustaining its students' education during the period of non-compliance. Mayor Ouano publicly expressed profound gratitude to CHED, acknowledging the “collective effort of CHED, the college, and the local government unit” that ultimately secured the approval after a three-year disqualification period. His remarks reflected the intense coordination and commitment required from all stakeholders to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.
The implications of this recognition extend far beyond administrative compliance and budget allocations. For the thousands of students enrolled at MCC, it means the potential resumption of free tuition, effectively removing a significant financial barrier that often dictates access to higher education in the Philippines. This prospect provides tangible relief for families, many of whom struggle to balance daily living expenses with the rising costs of education. Congresswoman Ouano-Dizon underscored this deeply personal impact, describing the recognition as an “achievement of students and families of the city,” particularly for the hope and economic relief it offers concerning tuition fees. She further highlighted the exemplary cooperation between local and national government units as a driving force, asserting that such synergy significantly boosts the city’s progressive development by investing in human capital. This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, where educational opportunities are widely perceived as crucial drivers of socio-economic mobility and pathways out of poverty.
However, CHED-7 Director Dr. Filomena Dayagbil clarified that while the institutional recognition represents a vital step forward, it is not a permanent status. "This is something we always emphasize to our education champions that Institutional Recognition is not forever," Dayagbil stated, stressing that the certificate is subject to meticulous review and potential revocation if the college fails to consistently maintain the quality education standards it has now achieved. She cited several key factors that CHED will continuously monitor, including the presence of qualified administrators, the competency and qualifications of faculty members, and positive student outcomes, such as graduation rates and employability. Institutions failing to comply after initial reprimands could face warnings and ultimately, revocation of their certificates. Despite this clear caveat, Dr. Dayagbil conveyed confidence in MCC's capacity to uphold its academic standards, citing the robust support from local leaders and the steadfast leadership of Dr. Joey Rivamonte.
Dr. Rivamonte, the president of Mandaue City College, publicly assured the community of the institution's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and sustained quality. "We will continue to maintain and sustain quality education at Mandaue City College," he affirmed, also extending his thanks to the mayor and congresswoman for their consistent and steadfast support throughout the compliance process. This renewed focus on sustained quality is crucial, as the college now bears the responsibility not only to meet but to consistently exceed the standards that led to its recognition. The institutional journey serves as a reminder that initial compliance is just the beginning of an ongoing commitment to educational integrity.
With the Institutional Recognition now firmly in hand, MCC has met a fundamental requirement for rejoining the UniFAST free tuition program. The next immediate phase involves applying for funding under UniFAST, a critical bureaucratic step that, while facilitated and supported by CHED, requires final approval from the UniFAST board. While the exact timeline for full re-eligibility for free tuition remains contingent upon UniFAST's thorough evaluation and approval process, local officials remain optimistic about a swift resolution. Mayor Ouano noted that the city government stands to save approximately P40 million to P45 million annually once UniFAST funding is secured and disbursed. These significant resources, previously allocated to tuition subsidies, can then be strategically redirected to other critical priority programs within the city, potentially funding infrastructure, health services, or other social welfare initiatives.
Beyond the immediate financial relief for students and the city’s coffers, the institutional recognition also signals a new chapter for Mandaue City College’s physical infrastructure and expansion plans. Mayor Ouano announced that the construction of a new MCC campus is slated to begin within the first half of the year, with funding already secured. This expansion is an integral part of the city's broader vision to invest heavily in education across all levels, from early childhood to tertiary. Ouano emphasized this strategic approach, stating, "We believe that education should start early... We want Mandaue to remain a capable and competitive city, and this is a big part of that vision." The new facilities are expected to further enhance the learning environment, accommodate a growing student population, and modernize the college’s offerings, reinforcing MCC’s role as a cornerstone of accessible tertiary education in the region.
The rigorous journey of Mandaue City College in achieving its institutional recognition serves as a compelling case study and a beacon for other local colleges in Central Visayas and across the nation. Dr. Dayagbil revealed a broader regional context, noting that only 12 out of 21 local colleges in Region 7 have so far been granted full institutional recognition by CHED, highlighting the commission’s ongoing, nationwide push for quality assurance and compliance across all tertiary education institutions. Many other local colleges are still in various stages of compliance, securing Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) for individual courses and working to meet additional institutional criteria. This recognition for MCC not only validates its intensive efforts but also provides a tangible model for sustained institutional development and the pursuit of educational excellence within the Philippine higher education landscape.
As Mandaue City College prepares for its reintegration into the national free tuition program and embarks on physical expansion, its renewed status promises to reshape educational access for generations. The city of Mandaue, its leaders, and its academic community are now poised to leverage this significant achievement, translating hard-won compliance into enhanced opportunities for its youth and a strengthened foundation for long-term socio-economic growth.