The City of Malabon University (CMU) has received institutional recognition from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 33 years after the university was established.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said on Friday, May 22, that the recognition marks a major milestone for the city and its students, as it confirms that CMU has met national standards for higher education.
“This proves that the quality of education we provide our students meets national standards,” she said.
“Ito rin po ay sumasalamin sa ating layuning maitaas ang antas ng pamumuhay para sa bawat Malabueño sa pamamagitan ng dekalidad na mga serbisyo lalo na sa edukasyon na siyang nagbubukas ng oportunidad para sa pag-unlad at pag-ahon (It also reflects our goal of improving the lives of every Malabueño through quality services, especially education, which opens opportunities for progress and better living),” Sandoval added.
The mayor also assured parents and students that the city government will continue improving CMU’s programs, facilities, and services.
Institutional recognition is granted by CHED to schools that comply with government standards on operations, faculty, facilities, and curriculum.
It also confirms that a school is legally authorized to operate as a higher education institution and grant academic degrees.
The city government said the recognition is important for local universities and colleges because it is among the requirements for eligibility under free tuition and subsidy programs through UNIFAST and Republic Act No. 10931.
CMU was previously removed from the list of institutions eligible for UNIFAST benefits due to compliance issues before Sandoval assumed office in 2022.
Among the issues cited were the lack of institutional recognition, incomplete Certificates of Program Compliance for academic programs, unsubmitted documents, and unresolved governance requirements.
Due to these deficiencies, CMU lost its eligibility for free tuition and other educational assistance beginning academic year 2022-2023.
After Sandoval assumed office, the city government intensified efforts to address the university’s compliance concerns.
Sandoval chairs the CMU Board of Regents, which oversees policies and programs aimed at improving governance, compliance, and education services at the university.
CMU was also among the six Malabon City government sites that recently received ISO 9001:2015 Certification from TÜV Rheinland through TÜV Rheinland Philippines.
CMU President Dr. Glen DV. De Leon said the recognition was the result of the collective efforts of the university community.
“This achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when education is placed at the heart of public service. It is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, and collective commitment from the entire CMU community,” De Leon said.
City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete described the recognition as a milestone for both the university and Malabueño students.
“Achieving the Institutional Recognition of CMU was a challenging process, but through the sustained support and commitment of the Sandoval administration, this milestone became possible for the benefit of every Malabueño student,” Rosete said.
CMU said it will continue strengthening its quality assurance systems, student services, governance, partnerships, and compliance with CHED standards.