After passing the general criteria of having established Centers of Excellence (CoE) and Centers of Development (CoD), outstanding overall performance of graduates in their licensure examinations, and a “long tradition of integrity and untarnished reputation,” De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), along with 67 other Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs), earned its autonomous status today, Oct. 25, in accordance with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No.12, series of 2019.

The announcement came via email from Benilde Chancellor Robert Tang.

“I am very happy to share with you the good news that Benilde is now AUTONOMOUS, as officially conferred by the issuance of CHED Memorandum Order No. 12, series of 2019,” Mr. Tang said.

“This is truly an important milestone as we continue the celebrations in line with Benilde Mission Week. We thank all of you for your contribution to this achievement, and encourage everyone to keep up the good work,” the Chancellor expressed.

Mr. Tang also acknowledged “the leadership of our immediate past President, Br. Dennis M. Magbanua FSC in the attainment of our autonomous status.”

Now being an autonomous PHEI, the College shall enjoy benefits (according to CMO No.19, series of 2016) such as, but not limited to the exemption from the “issuance of Special Order (SO), exemption from regular monitoring and evaluation by CHED (with conditions), priority in granting subsidies and other financial incentives, privilege to determine and prescribe curricular programs to achieve global competence. “

Being granted an autonomous status also allows PHEIs to launch new course programs in all graduate and undergraduate levels and  increase tuition fees without securing permits, but shall inform CHED and comply with existing policies, standards, and guidelines involved in the process.

With these benefits, the College is still expected to submit and report to the CHED Regional Office concerning their enrollment list per trimester, as well as the graduation list of the current academic year for information, data gathering, and reference purposes of the institution. 

According to CMO No.21, series of 2003, the autonomy status granted to selected PHEIs shall be in force and in effect for five school years beginning in the second semester.

“This is just the beginning of our journey to greater heights, let’s continue to strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well,” Mr. Tang said in his email.