The Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) has retained its full autonomous status under the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 7, series of 2024 which grants autonomy to private higher education institutions (PHEIs) that meet specific standards. AUP is among the 12 PHEIs in Region IV and 77 in the country to have been conferred with this status, which is valid for three (3) years, from September 16, 2024, to September 15, 2027.
Under CMO No. 19, series of 2016, autonomous status provides PHEIs with greater autonomy in operations while ensuring they uphold CHED’s standards and guidelines. PHEIs with this status are exempted from regular CHED monitoring and the issuance of special order for their graduates. They also receive priority for CHED subsidies and financial incentives when available. They may also confer honorary degrees to deserving individuals, develop their own curricula for global competencies, and offer new courses or programs without prior approval, only requiring CHED notification.
Furthermore, autonomous PHEIs may offer extension classes to broaden access to education with prior CHED notification and are permitted to form partnerships with recognized foreign institutions, provided they adhere to CHED policies. CHED may also authorize these institutions to provide distance education and other alternative programs. Additionally, they may adjust tuition fees without needing prior approval from CHED, but must still follow CHED’s guidelines in consultation and notification.
PHEIs were evaluated based on 3 specific criteria as outlined in CMO No. 6, Series of 2023: (1) commitment to program excellence, (2) excellence in instruction, scholarly works, and community engagements, (3) institutional quality and excellence. To achieve autonomy, institutions must earn points in each criterion, with a minimum combined score of 80.
“Let’s thank the Lord! Our autonomous status is renewed!” AUP President Dr. Arceli Rosario exclaimed upon the release of the memorandum.
Mr. Reuben Carpizo, AUP’s Accreditation Director, described the preparation as “guided by the Holy Spirit.” This faith-driven process began even before the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) released the updated criteria for granting autonomous status to universities. “Before the new CMO criteria was released, I had already prepared the documents based on the previous CMO requirements,” Mr. Carpizo recalled. “But the recent CMO is different from the ones I was preparing.” Despite this, the efforts of the Accreditation Office unexpectedly aligned providentially, he said, “If you will be asking me, I do not know how it all came together. It is not me—not my credit but the Lord’s.”
AUP has maintained its autonomous status since 2003.
