Overview

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is responsible for formulating and implementing policies, plans and programs for the development and efficient operation of the system of higher education in the country. The delivery of higher education in the Philippines is provided by private and public higher education institutions (HEIs).

Geographically, there are 2,036 higher education institutions in the country distributed as follows:

Distribution of Higher Education Institutions by Region and Sector
Academic Year 2006-2007 (As of December 17, 2007)  

The Public HEIs includes: 110 SUCs main campuses, 326 satellite campuses, 70 LUCs, 10 OGS, 1 CSI and 5 special HEIs.

Private Higher Education Institutions

Private higher education institutions are established under the Corporation Code and are governed by special laws and general provisions of this Code. Those under non-sectarian are duly incorporated, owned and operated by private entities that are not affiliated to any religious organization while those under sectarian are usually non-stock, non profit, duly incorporated, owned and operated by a religious organization.

Generally, private higher education institutions (PHEIs) are covered by the policies, standards and guidelines (PSGs) set by the Commission on Higher Education in terms of program offerings, curriculum, administration and faculty academic qualifications, among others. The heads of PHEIs usually manage its internal organization and implement the PSGs formulated by the CHED.

A total of 34 PHEIs were granted autonomous or deregulated status by CHED (CMO No. 59, series of 2007). Of the 34 PHEIs, 10 were granted autonomous status for five years (Nov. 2007-Nov. 2012) and 12 autonomous status for one year (Nov. 2007-Nov. 2008); two were granted deregulated status for five years and 10 for one year.

The grant of autonomous and deregulated status to deserving private colleges and universities is aimed at recognizing the private HEIs that have consistently shown exemplary performance in the provision of education, research and extension services, at the same time rationalizing supervision of private HEIs through progressive deregulation (CMO No. 52, series of 2006)

Public Higher Education Institutions

The State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are chartered public higher education institutions established by law, administered and financially subsidized by the government. The Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) are those established by the local government through resolutions or ordinances. LUCs are financially supported by the local government concerned. The CHED Supervised Institution (CSI) is non-chartered public post-secondary education institution established by law, administered, supervised and financially supported by the government. Other Government Schools (OGS) are public secondary and post-secondary education institutions usually a technical-vocational education institution that offer higher education programs. Special HEIs are directly under the government agency stipulated in the law that created them. They provide specialized training in areas such as military science and national defense.

The SUCs have their own charters. The board of regents for state universities and a board of trustees for state colleges maintain the formulation and approval of policies, rules and standards in SUCs. The Chairman of the CHED heads these boards. However, CHED Order No. 31 series of 2001 of the Commission en banc has also authorized the CHED Commissioners to head the board of trustees or board of regents of SUCs. Implementation of policies and management are vested on the president, staff, and support units of the public higher education institutions.

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