"Will converting UEP into a national university help Nortehanon parents budget for college?"

 

First and foremost, in terms of Sustainability Studies, it appears that this is a vague term taken by the proponent/lobbyist, and thus needs to be clarified;either by the proponent or lobbyist.

Here is the direct comparison between the two terms:

Feature	Proponent	Lobbyist
Definition	A person who supports, argues in favor of, or puts forward an idea, proposal, or project.	A person who attempts to influence legislation or government decisions on behalf of a specific group.
Scope	Broad. You can be a proponent of a new lifestyle, a theory, or a policy.	Narrow. It refers specifically to political and legal advocacy.
Compensation	Usually motivated by personal belief, philosophy, or general support.	Often a paid professional hired by a corporation, industry, or organization.
Legal Status	A general descriptive term with no legal registration required.	A specific role that often requires official registration with the government.

The primary authors and proponents of the bills seeking to transform the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) into the National University for Sustainability Studies are:

✓ House Bill No. 9414: Authored Tingog Party-list Representative Jude A. Acidre,

Full Name: Jude Avorque Acidre

Birthdate: October 13, 1982

✓ House Bill No. 9861: Authored by House Minority.Leader Marcelino C. Libanan

 and Eastern Samar Representative Christopher Sheen P. Gonzales, Co-authored House Bill No. 9861 alongside Libanan.

The bills propose a major structural change to the state university located in Catarman, Northern Samar. [1, 2, 3]

When we say “Sustainability Studies”, an karuyag sugaron ay “likas-kaya nga pangereskwela”!

Based on my personal experience when I completed my degree on Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Marketing Major at the University of Eastern Philippines (U.EP) from its Summer Classes of April 2010 until I finished my degree on March 2011 (which was supposedly graduated in 1989 but quitted in favor of supporting of my Parents and siblings in terms of finances, basic needs and education) , the budget that I had through the voluntary financial support of my Younger Brother, Darwin Ecleo (6th out of 10 siblings) had been consistent of a monthly allowance of PHP4000K, although I had a certain discount on my tuitions fees, as one one of the University Publication Writers of  The Pillar, and thus, it helped me to at least minimize my expenses.

That is why when Maam Nene Afable  (our Marketing Department University Adviser) had required her Marketing Major students to have their field trip to Manila, I talked to her if it was possible for me not to join this field trip since the majority of my employments have been in Corporate Sales already.

As a result, she allowed me not to, but instead instructed me to submit a Marketing Plan instead of going to the Field Trip, which needed a budget of PHP10,000 more or less.

What I needed since there were no classes while my classmates had been on a field trip, I enrolled at TESDA Catarman Northern Samar, a walking distance from our boarding,  owned by Lorna Dolorzo Pantua for Driving Skills; although it was unfinished, given that I needed to go back to Bacoor, Cavite right after our Graduation in March 2011, so as to minimize my time, budget, and efforts; although prior, I attempted to pursue my unfinished degree at Cavite State University (CVSU) Imus Campus, but unfortunately my Father, Ely Tubelleza Ecleo had been hospitalized as a stroke survivor and whose life had been extended for another more than 10 years.

Please note that The University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) started offering free tuition fees in the Academic Year 2018–2019 (in the year 2018, I had been employed as Telesales Executive by Premier Cleantech Solutions. Inc . (a Pakistani Manufacturer of Thermacoat Paints) located at Suite 2302, Antel Corporate Center 121 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati, from January 18 to August 27, 2019, and my Second Semester of 2019 was at the Technological University of the Philippines (T.U.P.), Manila) as a Faculty, following the implementation of Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education, signed into law by Former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on August 3, 2017 - whose term of Presidency, June 30, 2016, to June 30, 2022.

And it's coverage: Eligible Filipino Undergraduate students are exempt from paying both tuition and other mandatory school fees (such as library, laboratory, and computer fees).

Key Details of the Bills

✓ New Mandate: Redefines UEP's charter to focus nationally on sustainability studies.

✓ Repealed Law: Seeks to replace UEP's original charter, Republic Act No. 4126.

✓ Leadership Provision (Section 22): A controversial transitory clause that allows the sitting university president to serve a fresh term as the head of the newly designated national university. [1, 2]

Why They Face Opposition

Student groups, including the University Student Council and the campus publication The Pillar, alongside various stakeholders, have campaigned to "Junk HB 9414, 9861" for several reasons: [1, 2, 3]

✓ Lack of Consultation: Critics argue that the bills bypassed proper internal council discussions and stakeholder consultations among students, faculty, and alumni. [1, 2]

✓ Transitory Clause Concerns: Section 22 is criticized for favoring the incumbent official instead of ensuring merit-based leadership succession. [1, 2]

✓ Institutional Readiness: Questions have been raised regarding whether the university is prepared for a national mandate and if it demonstrates national leadership in sustainability. [1, 2]