The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) certified the compliance of Colegio de Dagupan (CdD) with the requirements for conversion into Universidad de Dagupan (UdD).

“University status, being a distinctive honor, is reserved only to deserving higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the country that have proven their excellence in instruction, research, and extension,” said CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera after the conversion of CdD to UdD as per En Banc Resolution No. 742-2021.

Located in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, UdD has continued to set the standards in providing quality education to the people of Dagupan and its neighboring towns, and to preserve a steadfast commitment to quality education since its founding in 1984.

“So it gives me great honor and pride to congratulate the board, faculty, and staff, and students of Colegio de Dagupan after CHED approved its conversion from a college into a university,” De Vera said.

De Vera also pointed out the various meritorious awards of CdD such as being the best performing school for Nursing in 2015 and producing topnotchers in CPA and BS Electronics Engineering Licensure Examinations.

Moreover, CdD was awarded the Center of Development in Information Technology (2007) and Teacher Education (2010).

De Vera also commended the institution for helping CHED implement Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act through its more than 800 Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) grantees.

CdD’s conversion comes after a series of evaluations done by a CHED Composite Team that examined the areas of compliance on enrolment, programs, faculty, research, learning resources and support structures, linkages, and outreach programs.

As part of its transition period, current CdD President Voltaire P. Arzadon shall serve as its first University president.

Meanwhile, Arzadon expressed his gratitude to De Vera and all CHED Commissioners for unanimously approving CdD’s re-application for university status. “They took all the pain in reviewing our papers filed with the Commission 12 years ago,” he said.

Arzadon said that they have envisioned their institution to be “affordable for everyone” --- a place to “educate those who otherwise would not have access” to higher education.

“As we celebrate our new university status, we must become even more inclusive and more equitable in our inclusivity,” Arzadon said. “We must offer even greater access to education, research, and engagement to which we are so committed,” he added.