University of Abra officially launched as first and only university in the province

UA marks new chapter after ASIST meets CHED standards for university status, becoming the fifth state university in Cordillera

BANGUED, Abra — The Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) has officially transitioned from a state college to the University of Abra (UA) following the declaration of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis announced the institution’s conversion during the ceremonial launching held alongside the University Founder’s Day in Bangued on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

The milestone makes UA the first and only university in Abra and the fifth state university in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Joining Agrupis in marking the province’s educational milestone were local leaders, university officials, students and other stakeholders.

From industrial school to university

UA traces its roots to 1908, when an American educator established the institution as an industrial school aimed at helping integrate the community into national development.

In 1911, it was named Lagangilang Farm School and later became Lagangilang Agricultural School (LAS) under its first Filipino principal, Jose Reyna, who served from 1917 to 1942. The school eventually expanded from a five-hectare campus to 123.6 hectares through purchases and donations.

After World War II, LAS continued to develop, adding Home Economics to its agricultural curriculum.

Under Melquiades Bayos, who administered the school from 1948 to 1958, it was nationalized and renamed Lagangilang National Agricultural School.

It became independent from the Ilocos Sur School of Arts and Trade in 1965 and was converted into Lagangilang Agricultural College (LAC) the following year. It initially offered a two-year Associate in Agricultural Technology program before eventually offering a four-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Through Batas Pambansa Blg. 392, LAC became a chartered state college known as ASIST in 1983, offering professional and technical education in agriculture, science, technology and arts.

Seeking to provide Abreño youth greater access to quality higher education, then-Congressman Joseph Sto. Niño “JB” Bernos filed House Bill No. 2652 in 2019 to convert ASIST into a university.

The measure underwent review and committee deliberations before being consolidated into House Bill No. 7030, which was approved by the House of Representatives in September 2020.

On July 23, 2021, Republic Act No. 11574 was signed into law, paving the way for the conversion of ASIST into a state university.

Under the law, ASIST was to retain its existing status until it complied with the requirements for university status, as validated by CHED.

The transition was confirmed through CHED En Banc Resolution No. 527-2026, dated August 10, 2026, after the institution was found to have complied with the standards for university status.

At the time of CHED’s validation, the institution had 38 academic programs, consisting of 30 undergraduate, five master’s and three doctoral programs, serving more than 8,000 students.

‘A commitment to do more’

During the launching, Agrupis said the elevation from ASIST to UA should not be viewed merely as recognition of the institution’s accomplishments but as a commitment to pursue greater opportunities and responsibilities.

“It means from ASIST to UA, you are expected to create wider opportunities for students, deepening research and innovation, building stronger partnerships, and contributing more meaningfully to the development of the community and the province,” she said.

The University of Abra has its main campus in Lagangilang, with satellite campuses in Bangued and La Paz, and a planned campus in Pilar.