Thousands of prospective college students in Baggao, Cagayan, are a step closer to gaining access to quality and affordable higher education following the approval of House Bill No. 9695 by the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, chaired by Hon. Congressman Jude A. Acidre.

The measure seeks to establish a regular campus of Cagayan State University in the Municipality of Baggao, First District of Cagayan.

The bill was principally authored by Cong. Joseph L. Lara, who represents the Third District of Cagayan, highlighting a cross-district initiative aimed at expanding educational access for students in another congressional district of the province.

During its 13th Regular Committee Meeting on August 4, 2026, Rep. Lara emphasized that many students from Baggao currently travel considerable distances to pursue higher education in existing Cagayan State University campuses.

He cited findings from Cagayan State University's feasibility study indicating that 69.84 percent of households in Baggao earn ₱10,000 or less per month, making the cost of transportation, accommodation, and other education-related expenses significant barrier to tertiary education.

Cagayan State University Baggao Campus seeks to provide accessible, quality higher education and technical-vocational programs to students within the municipality and nearby municipalities like Gattaran and Alcala.

Once established, the campus is expected to expand educational access, increase college participation, and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the municipality and the surrounding communities.

At the start of the committee hearing, CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis expressed her support for House Bill No. 9695, highlighting CHED's commitment to expanding equitable access to quality higher education.

CHED Executive Director Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro, manifested its support for the proposal, provided that all statutory and regulatory requirements for the establishment of a new state university campus are satisfied.

The CSU Baggao Campus was also a priority program of former University President Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado and was carried forward by the current administration under Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez.

Meanwhile, present during the committee meeting were OIC President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mariden V. Cauilan, Campus Executive Officer Engr. Roger P. Rumpon, and other university officials, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to bringing quality and accessible higher education closer to communities across Cagayan.