De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) has been officially granted autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as outlined in CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 07, Series of 2024, signed on Sept. 16.
The autonomous status recognizes DLS-CSB’s high level of academic excellence, administrative efficiency, and overall institutional performance. This is in line with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 46, Series of 2012, which aims to enhance quality assurance (QA) in Philippine higher education through outcomes-based and typology-based QA frameworks.
In an official statement from Benilde President Br. Edmundo L. Fernandez, FSC, he shared how CHED’s decision was a reflection “the hard work and dedication of everyone in the Benildean community.”
“This recognition empowers us further to innovate and enhance our programs and our teaching methodologies in order to continue fostering an environment where students feel empowered, supported, and valued,” he shared.
In an interview with The Benildean, Mr. Angelo Marco U. Lacson, Vice Chancellor for Academics, extended his gratitude to the team involved in the institution's recent grant application. He commended their efforts, stating, “Your dedication, collaboration, and hard work are a testament to the excellence we strive for at Benilde.”
Mr. Lacson also highlighted the significance of the grant, reinforcing the College’s “commitment to providing innovative and quality education that meets the highest standards.”
Out of the qualified Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs), 77 were granted autonomous status, while 15 received deregulated status. The full list of recognized institutions can be accessed here. These distinctions were awarded based on the institutions' performance and achievements between July 1, 2019, and Sept. 15, 2023.
The awarding of autonomous and deregulated status is rooted in the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, specifically Section 4, Article XIV, which mandates the State to "exercise reasonable supervision and regulation of all educational institutions." It is also in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994.”
This status is further supported by CHED Memorandum Orders, including CMO No. 6, Series of 2023, "Policies and Guidelines for the Grant of Autonomous and Deregulated Status to Private Higher Education Institutions," and CMO No.lo 12, Series of 2023, "Supplemental Policies and Guidelines for the Grant of Autonomous and Deregulated Status to Private Higher Education Institutions," based on Commission en Banc Resolution No. 587-2024.
CHED acknowledged that the transition from the pandemic to the new normal was considered during the evaluation process, as many PHEI applicants faced challenges in complying with the assessment criteria due to pandemic-related constraints.
The memorandum emphasized that institutions must maintain exemplary performance to renew their status upon expiration. The current grant of autonomy to DLS-CSB is valid for three years, from Sept. 16, 2024, to Sept. 15, 2027.
