Baggao, Cagayan – Thousands of students in eastern Cagayan may soon be able to pursue a state university education closer to home after a bill seeking the establishment of a Cagayan State University (CSU)-Baggao Campus gained momentum in the House of Representatives.
The proposed measure was among the key topics discussed during the meeting of the Committee on the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle on June 3, 2026.
Established on June 11, 1978 through Presidential Decree No. 1436, Cagayan State University is the largest state university in the Cagayan Valley Region. It operates a multi-campus system with its main campus in Tuguegarao City and satellite campuses in Aparri, Lal-lo, Lasam, Piat, Sanchez Mira, and Solana.
Authored by Cagayan Third District Representative Joseph "Jojo" L. Lara, House Bill No. 9695, or the "Act Establishing a Regular Campus of the Cagayan State University in the Municipality of Baggao, Province of Cagayan and Appropriating Funds Therefor," seeks to establish a permanent CSU campus in Baggao, expanding access to higher education for students in eastern Cagayan.
Under the proposed measure, the CSU-Baggao Campus will offer technical-vocational, undergraduate, and graduate programs consistent with the university's mandate. The campus will also undertake research and extension services to support community development.
During the deliberations of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on August 4, Lara appealed for the immediate passage of the bill, emphasizing that it would not only provide greater educational opportunities but also significantly reduce the financial burden on families whose children currently have to study in Tuguegarao City.
"...hinihingi ko po ang sa inyong lahat ang suporta na ang panukalang ito ay isang pamumuhunan hindi lang sa edukasyon kundi sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kababayan at ng buong lalawigan ng Cagayan... there are more than 7,000 students from Baggao na naka-enroll sa siyudad ng Tuguegarao sa dalawang campus. So napakalaking bilang ng mga students na ito na balang araw, pag naitatag ito, ang mga susunod na mag-aaral ay hindi na mahihirapan. At siyempre, mafi-free up na rin ang mga main campuses ng university," Lara said.
The lawmaker noted that more than 7,000 students from Baggao are currently enrolled in CSU's Tuguegarao campuses, underscoring the urgent need for a campus closer to their communities.
With no objections from committee members, House Bill No. 9695 was unanimously approved, subject to style and amendments.
Lara also disclosed that funding for the proposed campus will come from the 2025 General Appropriations Act, with an initial allocation of ₱20 million already earmarked for its establishment.
Once realized, the CSU-Baggao Campus is expected to benefit not only students from Baggao but also those from neighboring municipalities such as Gattaran, Alcala, and Peñablanca.
Aside from bringing affordable state university education closer to home, the campus is also expected to reduce transportation and living expenses for students, ease congestion at existing CSU campuses, and contribute to the educational and economic development of eastern Cagayan.
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