More than 80 SUCs head to Iloilo for CHED’s annual fair

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City welcomed 82 state universities and colleges (SUCs) from all over the country as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) kicked off its four-day annual fair on Monday at SM City Iloilo.

This marked the first time that the SUC fair was held outside Luzon, with the West Visayas State University (WVSU) hosting the four-day event.

The inaugural SUC fair in 2020 was hosted by the Rizal Technological University, and it resumed in 2022 with National University as the lead institution.

WVSU President Joselito Villaruz said hosting the SUC fair would not only highlight the university’s excellence in education within the region but “can stamp our name in the country.”

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said that the SUC fair is a strong demonstration of the remarkable achievements and skills exhibited by the students, educators, and institutions of higher learning.”

“It is a celebration of the pursuit of knowledge, the power of innovation, and the dedication of countless individuals who have contributed to the advancement of education in our nation,” he added.

With the theme “Navigating the Global Landscape Through Innovations, Cultural and Arts Preservation, and Higher Education Quality”, the fair aims to exhibit cutting-edge innovations developed by different SUCs across the country.

It likewise serves as a platform for industry, local leaders, and the public to discover innovations and tap them to contribute to intellectual, technological, and economic advancement.

On the same day, CHED also launched the book for the SUCs governing board powers, procedures, and pronouncements.

CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera said the idea of having the book “came a long time ago and is needed”. He noted that there is a dearth of materials on Republic Act 8292, also known as the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, and its implementing rules.

De Vera said that the book compiles the legal concepts, previous court rulings, and applications as to how the provisions of RA 8292 and the powers of the SUC Governing Board, the highest policy-making body in the institution, are to be applied within the bounds of the law.

“It was proper that it was put together all materials into a book that members of the Board could use so that they know what has happened with decisions and issues of SUCs a long time ago,” he noted.

He added that the book will be periodically revised and updated to stay current with evolving decisions and issues concerning SUCs.

The SUC fair will continue until July 13, showcasing product bazaars from various regions alongside cultural performances and competitions.