Basilan now has a state university

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Basilan State College has reached a historic milestone, having been elevated to university status.

It was formally declared the Basilan State University (BasSU) during a ceremony held at the institution’s gymnasium in Barangay Sumagdang, Isabela City, Basilan, on Friday.

Dr. Shirley Agrupis, Commission on Higher Education (Ched) chairperson, announced the conversion during the ceremony, which was attended by university officials, local leaders, and students.

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The transition was confirmed through Ched Commission en Banc (CEB) Resolution No. 553-2026, dated Aug. 17, which affirmed that the institution had fully complied with all statutory requirements for university status under Republic Act No. 11554.

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In a statement posted on its social media account, BasSU said the conferment reflects years of sustained institutional strengthening across academic programs, governance structures, quality assurance systems, research output, and physical capacity.

With its elevated status, BasSU assumes a broader educational mandate aimed at enhancing academic excellence, innovation, knowledge creation, and public service across the island province.

The legislative foundation for the university’s creation was set in motion through House Bill No. 1581, principally authored by now Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman during his tenure as representative of the province’s lone district.

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The measure subsequently gained traction in the Senate through Senate Bill No. 1936, authored by then-Senator and current Education Secretary Sonny Angara. Sen. Joel Villanueva sponsored a similar measure, leading to the enactment of RA 11554, which laid the legal groundwork for the college’s transformation.

BasSU acknowledged the provincial leaders who also played a critical role in the compliance process, including Basilan Vice Gov. Jim Hataman Salliman and Lone District Rep. Yusop Alano.

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As BasSU begins its new operational chapter, the university administration expressed appreciation to its academic community, government agencies, and local leaders whose long-term contributions helped the province establish its first state university. /mcm