𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝑵𝒐. 𝟗𝟑𝟏𝟓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪’𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒁𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒖𝒓 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Chair of the Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, sponsored several education bills to enhance tertiary education nationwide. On February 4, 2025, the Senate approved the second reading of House Bill No. 9315. The bill seeks to upgrade J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) in Barangay Mati, Municipality of San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur, into a state university to be known as Zamboanga del Sur State University (ZDSSU), with corresponding appropriations.

House Bill No. 9315 was officially filed on November 28, 2023, and was among 25 education measures discussed during a public hearing on February 28, 2024, led by former Committee Chair Senator Chiz Escudero.

The bill’s progress marks another significant milestone for JHCSC on its path to achieving university status and was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Congresswoman Divina Grace C. Yu and Congresswoman Jeyzel Victoria C. Yu, whose unwavering commitment to advancing higher education has been instrumental in driving this historic legislation forward. Their leadership has laid the foundation for a brighter future for JHCSC and the Zamboanga del Sur community. Additionally, Senator Pia Cayetano has also been a strong supporter of JHCSC’s journey toward universityhood.

JH Cerilles State College, under the pro-active leadership of its President, Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales has been taking bold steps to meet the requirements for its conversion to university status. With ongoing efforts in key compliance areas, the institution remains hopeful for the final Senate approval of House Bill No. 9315 on its third and final reading.

Once enacted into law, the bill will broaden academic opportunities, strengthen research initiatives, and elevate the overall quality of education in the province. This conversion is not just a name change but a significant commitment to advancing higher education in Zamboanga del Sur.

House Bill No. 9315 – 19th Congress Second Regular Session Document: View Document