CHED clears 54 Bacolod graduates for September LET

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — After more than a year of uncertainty, 54 graduates of Bacolod City College will be able to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers in September 2026 after the Commission on Higher Education issued a special order on Feb. 5.

Of the total, 25 graduates are from the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in mathematics, while 29 are from the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a media interview that the special order allows the graduates to proceed with their LET applications, ending months of uncertainty over eligibility and bringing relief to aspiring teachers.

Gasataya said the issue was raised as early as August 2025 and required extensive coordination with CHED to address compliance concerns, particularly the absence of qualified academic signatories when the graduates completed their requirements.

He said the matter was finalized during a meeting on Dec. 22, 2025, and by the first week of January 2026, all requirements were in place.

Gasataya said the special order could not be issued without full compliance with CHED standards, including the presence of qualified deans, program heads and faculty members specializing in mathematics and Filipino.

“To obtain the required document from CHED, the institution must first comply with specific requirements. These were not in place before, which is why there were no authorized signatories when the students graduated,” Gasataya said.

He said that after he assumed office, the city government moved to hire qualified teachers in the required fields, and once the conditions were met, CHED issued the special order as the final requirement.

Gasataya said that without compliance, CHED could have ordered the closure of the programs.

He assured the graduates of continued support from the city government, particularly in preparing for the board exam.

Gasataya said the city is finalizing review assistance and other requirements to help the graduates prepare.

“We will check if there’s available funds,” he said, adding that the issue has been resolved and will no longer affect future batches.

Gasataya personally announced the update to the graduates, who expressed relief and gratitude.

“We are hopeful that you will not only take the exam but also pass,” he told them.