18 April 2024

This is to clarify the news reports regarding the alleged surge of Chinese nationals enrolling in universities in Cagayan and the concern regarding the prevailing situation in the West Philippine Sea, which poses serious concern to the national security of the Philippines.

Based on the records of CHEDRO  2, there are no Chinese students enrolled in local colleges and universities in Cagayan province but there is a significant number of Chinese students enrolled in Saint Paul University Philippines (SPUP) – Tuguegarao City.

SPUP is a higher educational institution granted autonomous status by CHED since 2002 and has an  Authority to Accept Foreign Students by the Bureau of Immigration.

As an autonomous HEI, it has the authority, among others, to establish linkages with recognized foreign higher education institutions (CHED CMO 19, s. 2016, “Benefits and Responsibilities of Autonomous and Deregulated Private Higher Education Institutions”). While  the entry and stay of foreign students in the Philippines  is governed by  Executive  Order No.  285, Series  and its Implementing Rules and Regulations and Joint Memorandum Order No. 01, s. 2017 of the Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students  (IACFS).

This authority given to selected universities to enroll foreign students is the reason why there is a significant number of students from India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Thailand, Nepal, Korea, and other countries in Philippine schools. The foreign students are attracted by the affordable cost of quality education, the use of English as a medium of instruction, and the globally recognized quality of instruction in such fields as medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, public health, and engineering.

CHED has not received complaints as to  violation of St. Paul University  of this Joint Memorandum. In case of complaint or reports of  violation, CHED  will forward the same to this inter-agency committee for its appropriate action.

On the security aspect, we leave the matter to the expertise of our security agencies to investigate and recommend appropriate actions. We will support and attend congressional investigations and other inter-agency meetings concerning these allegations. We welcome and shall cooperate should any investigation be required.

The Commission will continue to support the internationalization of Philippine higher education to produce world class professionals. We will assist HEIs who want to internationalize consistent with CHED guidelines and other applicable national laws.