DOrSU feasibility study backs proposed external classes in Lupon; approval eyed ahead of August
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) moved a step closer to bringing higher education offerings to the municipality of Lupon as results of a feasibility study on the proposed external classes were formally presented to local and university officials on January 28, 2026, at the Municipal Hall of Lupon.
Dr. Cheryll L. Bautista, a member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) that conducted the study, presented the findings before Mayor Santos “Sonny” Q. Alonzo, Jr., joined by Vice Mayor Christian Lawrence “Chrence” Go, members of the Sangguniang Bayan ng Lupon, other local government unit (LGU) officials, and DOrSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce with key university officials.
Following the presentation, Dr. Ponce said the findings point to a promising path forward, while underscoring the formal approval process required before DOrSU can open and operate external classes in Lupon.
“The results are encouraging, but I will give a reality process check on the steps in attaining our launch and operation in DOrSU Lupon,” Dr. Ponce said, describing the completion of the feasibility study as the first step of the process.
He outlined the next stages, which will include review by the DOrSU Academic Council, approval by the DOrSU Board of Regents, and securing of a permit to operate from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) after inspection and compliance with requirements. “Our goal is to do all these before August,” he said, noting that it would be feasible given the 6-month window for the remaining steps. He added that the TWG will submit the feasibility study to the Office of the Municipal Mayor to support an enabling ordinance, a requirement for Academic Council consideration on sustainability.
On initial program offerings, Dr. Ponce said the most workable approach in the near term is to start with a combination of board and non-board programs.
“The most feasible for now is to have two board courses and two non-board courses,” he said, identifying the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) major in English and the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Animal Science as the most feasible board programs. For non-board options, he cited the Bachelor of Industrial Technology Management (BITM), BS in Development Communication, BS in Agribusiness Management, and BS in Environmental Science.
Mayor Alonzo, for his part, thanked the TWG and DOrSU for their efforts and reaffirmed the municipality’s push to move the initiative forward, citing the LGU’s readiness to complete its part, including the needed ordinance and integration into local development planning.
“Ready na ang LGU Lupon. Malapit na. Sana tuloy-tuloy na,” Mayor Alonzo said.
