It was while serving in the editorial staff of UP’s Philippine Collegian at the onset of the 1970s that I became acquainted with student leaders of the Philippine College of Commerce, now called the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The president of the PCC at that time was Dr. Nemesio Prudente, and during his watch student activism flourished — just as it did at the University of the Philippines where Dr. Salvador P. Lopez, a respected educator and a diplomat was president.

We considered our friends from PCC as kindred spirits. Whenever we worked overnight at the then Liwayway printing press in Sta. Cruz, Manila, we went to the Manila Times building where we met and talked with senior editors like Amando Doronila, Eddie Monteclaro, and Antonio Nieva.

In the book “Doc Prudente”, my esteemed friend, the late Nelson Navarro, who was a Philippine Collegian editor, wrote: “(Dr. Prudente) was renowned for his progressive leadership, standing shoulder to shoulder with faculty and students during protests and pickets on a variety of subjects, from pressuring Congress to increase school funding to encouraging students to engage in critical discourse on sociopolitical concerns.”

Among those who stood at the frontlines of student activism during the First Quarter Storm and through the imposition of martial law in the early seventies were editors-in-chief of the PCC student newspaper, Ang Malaya (previously called The Businessman) — namely, Jimmy Flor Cruz, currently Philippine ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, and business entrepreneur Angie Tocong Castillo.

I write this piece to lend my voice to the appeal of PCC and PUP alumni that Congress revisit the proposed law conferring National Polytechnic University status on the PUP. Allow me to quote substantially from a paper entitled: “So Much for So Little: The Quiet Heroism of PUP”:

“Few institutions in the Philippines have embodied the spirit of accessible, quality public education as steadfastly as the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). For over a century, PUP has opened its doors to the children of farmers, laborers, small entrepreneurs, and public servants—offering not just education, but a ladder to social mobility and national development.

“It is therefore fitting that both houses of Congress saw the wisdom and justice in passing a measure to confer National University status on PUP. But while this legislation had strong backing from lawmakers and the university’s stakeholders, it was unfortunately vetoed by the President. The stated reason: the belief that more time and institutional development were necessary before the title could be granted.

“While we respect the Office of the President, this decision should not be the final word. The case for granting PUP the recognition it deserves is not only strong—it is urgent.

“Founded in 1904, PUP has evolved from a humble Manila trade school into one of the largest public universities in the country, with over 70,000 students across multiple campuses nationwide. It has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, particularly in fields aligned with the country’s developmental needs: engineering, business, information technology, public administration, and education.

“Despite operating on one of the lowest per-student budgets among state universities, PUP has continued to produce topnotchers in national licensure exams and distinguished alumni in government, industry, the arts, and civil society. This is a testament not only to the institution’s resilience, but to its efficiency, commitment, and relevance.

“PUP has achieved ISO certification, maintained level III accreditation for several programs, and undertaken international collaborations—achievements that are often used as benchmarks for institutional readiness and recognition.

“What truly sets PUP apart, however, is its unwavering commitment to democratizing education. At a time when tuition and other school fees continue to climb, PUP remains a sanctuary for economically disadvantaged but talented students. Its model of affordability without compromising quality makes it a critical pillar of the country’s public education system.

“The university has long played the role of an equalizer—bridging the gap between the country’s socioeconomic classes. To deny PUP National Polytechnic University status because of supposed developmental shortcomings is to misread the very role of a National University in the first place. Such a university must not only be excellent—it must be transformational. PUP is exactly that.

“Critics may argue that National University status must be earned through years of research funding, international rankings, and world-class infrastructure. But while those are valid considerations, they cannot be the sole metrics.

“Equity must be part of our national education agenda. If we truly want inclusive development, we must uplift institutions that serve the many, not just the privileged few. PUP is not asking for a title alone—it is seeking the resources, recognition, and institutional support that come with it, so it can better serve its expanding role.

“Attaining National Polytechnic University status would enable PUP to secure increased funding, recruit and retain top faculty, expand its research capacity, and modernize its facilities—all of which are essential to meeting the growing needs of the Filipino youth.

“The veto, though a setback, does not consign PUP’s aspirations to oblivion. Congress can refile and refine the measure, and the Executive branch can revisit its stance with a broader, more inclusive understanding of what it means to be a National Polytechnic University.

“As the country navigates the complex challenges of a post-pandemic economy, a growing population, and widening inequality, investing in institutions like PUP is not just sound policy—it is a moral imperative.”

In my view, the foregoing paper presents more than sufficient justification for our legislators to revive the vetoed enactment. I am certain that through reasoned dialogue, our policymakers in the Executive Branch can come to terms with Congress in crafting new legislation that enables the PUP to become a National Polytechnic University.

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