𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐁𝐎𝐓 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐙𝐃𝐒𝐒𝐔 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐀 𝟏𝟐𝟐𝟗𝟓

Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) President together with members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and key officials, provided an update on the college’s conversion to Zamboanga del Sur State University (ZDSSU) under Republic Act No. 12295, in an interview with the Press Bureau of Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur on October 17, 2025, at the JHCSC Hostel, Pagadian Campus.

For clarification regarding the conversion of JHCSC to ZDSSU, President Rosales explained:
“Pag gawas sa balaod, dili automatic na university na. Dili pa mabutang ang ngalan sa Zamboanga del Sur State University. Maghulat pa nga ma-comply natong requirements nga gi-prescribe sa Commission on Higher Education. Ug mahuman nato ni siya ug comply, diha pa ta ma-proclaim ug full-fledged university.”

President Rosales shared that JHCSC had proactively taken steps to comply with the basic requirements for university status even before the enactment of RA 12295. To date, the institution has secured 100% Certificates of Program Compliance (COPCs) for all undergraduate programs, with one graduate program still in progress.

The college has also met a key requirement for offering three doctoral programs by achieving Level III Accredited status for nine programs. While most of the required documents are already in place to support this compliance, President Rosales explained that the compilation, processing, and assessment will take time before their submission to the CHED National Office for final approval.

Ms. Febie Keith Jumoc, University Conversion Focal Person, stated that JHCSC is currently focused on completing its four key documents—namely: (1) the Five-Year Development Plan, (2) the Revised Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP), (3) the Management Audit, and (4) the Organizational Structure—which are among the requirements mandated under RA 12295, Section 22, for immediate compliance.

According to Hon. Glendell Oyo-a, Alumni Trustee, the conversion of JHCSC holds special significance for its alumni, as it is the institution where they were nurtured and molded. Witnessing its transition to a state university gives them pride, especially as it now carries the name of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur.

Faculty and Staff Trustee Hon. Glady Quirante emphasized that the conversion will create more opportunities for faculty members in research, academic collaboration, and professional development, while also providing a stronger support system and a solid foundation for staff career advancement.

Student Trustee Hon. Benjie Jimenez noted that JHCSC students are already representing the college and bringing recognition at the national level. He believes the impact will be even greater once the institution becomes a university, inspiring students to elevate their morale and attitude in embracing growth and innovation. He further stated that once the Zamboanga del Sur State University (ZDSSU) is established, Zambo Sur youth will no longer need to go to other provinces to pursue university education, as it will soon be available within the province itself.

Atty. Esther Marie S. Rigon, Legal Officer and Board Secretary, highlighted that JHCSC’s large land area gives it an advantage in positioning itself as the second “UP”, enabling international agencies to collaborate in the agricultural sector and in income-generating projects.

President Rosales further highlighted that several developments will follow once JHCSC becomes a full-fledged university, including: (1) A stronger focus on research, supported by the establishment of nine Research Centers through Board Resolutions, transforming the institution into a hub of new knowledge and innovation. (2) Expansion of academic programs, particularly in the medical field. (3) Increased student enrollment, which will necessitate hiring additional Plantilla faculty and constructing more infrastructure. He envisions ZDSSU as a leading university responsive to societal and global demands through innovative research and inclusive education.

Ms. Jesu Marie Reducto, Finance Director, emphasized that RA 12295 gives the college an opportunity to become a university, provided it complies with all requirements. Regarding compliance, she expressed hope that the government will continue to extend full support for JHCSC’s funding proposals, particularly for the development of infrastructure.

Alumni Trustee Hon. Oyo-a also stated that the success of the conversion of JHCSC into a full-fledged university requires strong collaboration among stakeholders and support from the government. With this, he expressed that Zamboanga del Sur Representatives, Hon. Joseph Kim Yu and Hon. Jeyzel Victoria Yu, both members of the JHCSC BOT, along with the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur, led by Gov. Divina Grace Yu, will continue to give their full support to the institution’s journey toward university status.

During the closing segment of the interview, President Rosales shared his hopeful message:
“With all humility, as the President of J.H. Cerilles State College, I’m honored that this conversion happens within my term as a comeback President. Hopefully, before the end of my first term, this will be realized — that J.H. Cerilles State College will become a full-fledged State University in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur. ZDSSU is created for you, and I need all your prayers and support so that, sooner or later, we will have the new university of the province of Zamboanga del Sur.”