Bicol University (BU), situated in Albay, became the first state university in the Philippines to incorporate an equity policy into its admissions process. This innovative strategy aims to provide increased access to free higher education for marginalized and economically disadvantaged students. The Board of Regents' approval signals a significant move towards inclusivity in BU's educational approach.
The decision to include socio-economic profiles (SEP) in the admissions criteria was influenced by Ched Chair Prospero de Vera's call for state universities and colleges (SUCs) to reassess the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) or the Free Higher Education program. BU's adjustment to the Bicol University College Entrance Test (Bucet) criteria seeks to level the playing field for students from less privileged backgrounds, emphasizing the university's commitment to ensuring the subsidy benefits those in need.
Under the revised admission guidelines, Bucet scores remain crucial, contributing 65 percent to the overall rating. The general weighted average from Grades 9 to 11 accounts for 20 percent, while the newly introduced SEP factor comprises the remaining 15 percent. This modification aims to address observed disparities in attraction and absorption rates among applicants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Dr. Hennie Pama-Lomibao, dean of BU's admissions office, notes that this marks the first time in three decades that the university has revised its guidelines to include an equity component, marking a significant step towards inclusivity.
Bicol University's equity policy will undergo assessment every two years to allow adjustments based on its impact on student diversity and success rates. This initiative aligns with national efforts to enhance access to higher education for all Filipinos, regardless of economic status, and sets a precedent for other SUCs to follow. By championing equity and inclusion, BU contributes to a broader movement towards a more equitable educational landscape in the Philippines.
