DOrSU to open external classes in Lupon
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) and the Municipality of Lupon formalized a partnership on May 18 at the Municipal Hall Conference Room to offer DOrSU external classes in the municipality, expanding access to quality tertiary education for local learners.
The memorandum of agreement was entered into by DOrSU, represented by University President Dr. Roy G. Ponce, and the Lupon local government unit, represented by Municipal Mayor Santos “Sonny” Alonzo Jr.
President Ponce said the initiative carries the university’s continuing vision of bringing higher education closer to communities beyond its main campus.
“I would like to carry that vision also for Lupon. Four years from now, we will have our first batch of graduates,” President Ponce said.
Under the agreement, DOrSU will administer the external classes in accordance with its charter, university policies, and national higher education regulations. The university will also offer academic programs subject to institutional capacity and approval of concerned regulatory bodies, recruit qualified faculty and staff, and manage academic, administrative, and fiscal operations.
Meanwhile, the Lupon LGU will provide a suitable site and facilities for the external classes and ensure the provision of a permanent university campus in Lupon appropriate for the courses to be offered. The agreement also positions the initiative as the initial phase of campus establishment, with a developmental pathway toward becoming an extension campus and eventually a full-fledged satellite campus.
President Ponce underscored the importance of local government support in sustaining access to higher education amid financial challenges faced by the university and its students.
“We are happy that LGUs are there together with us to provide access to our students,” President Ponce said.
The municipal government will allocate, subject to the annual appropriations process of the Sangguniang Bayan, P2 million annually as subsidy for the operations of the DOrSU Lupon External Class until the campus becomes a regular campus with its own funding under the General Appropriations Act.
The LGU is also tasked to acquire a permanent site for DOrSU Lupon, fund the construction of initial buildings, and donate the land and facilities to the university in accordance with existing laws and auditing rules.
President Ponce said local government units with DOrSU campuses are fortunate as local chief executives have committed to supporting their own constituents.
“We commit to bring quality education to Lupon, and we thank LGU Lupon for providing this opportunity to Lupon and the neighboring communities,” President Ponce added.
To guide the initiative, both parties will create a DOrSU-Lupon Advisory Council composed of representatives from the university, municipal government, students, parents, business sector, civil society organizations, and the academe.
The council will help in the physical development, fiscal policy, community support, and long-term development planning of the campus but will not exercise authority over DOrSU’s academic, fiscal, or administrative decisions.
Anchored on DOrSU’s Regenerative Futures niche, the initiative strengthens the university’s commitment to community-responsive education, local human resource development, and sustainable institutional growth.
The partnership also advances #SDG4: Quality Education by widening access to inclusive, equitable, and locally responsive tertiary education, especially for learners who may otherwise face geographic or financial barriers to college education.
Through the partnership, DOrSU and the Lupon municipal government seek to bring higher education closer to residents, strengthen the municipality’s human resources, and support community-centered development through accessible college learning opportunities.
