Breaking Barriers: How MinSU Promotes Education Access for IPs and Marginalized Groups?

Being the lone state university in the province, the Mindoro State University caters higher education to thousands of Oriental Mindoro youth. Taking a huge responsibility in providing equal access to quality higher education through the effective and efficient implementation of the UNIFAST. Since 2017 of implementation, there had a growing number of young Mindorenos who accessed tertiary education, from around 5,000 to almost 11,000 in 2021 and beyond. Data show of a noticeable evidence that UNIFAST has been instrumental to educational growth resulting to social and economic growth of the families and of the province and of the country at large.

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XIV, Section 1, it is stated that “The State shall provide the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all”. Conforming to this provision, the MinSU effectively and efficiently facilitates the UNIFAST implementation vis-à-vis resourcing scholarships, internal and external to maximize its continuing commitment to provide quality, yet affordable education.

Holding on the value of education for all, the MinSU as an implementing agency pledges to ensure smooth implementation of policy and guidelines in the creation of education opportunities to complete degrees and become productive citizens of the world. As providing education has been a mandate of the government, the need for statutes concerning the matter is felt, thus, the need for the creation of laws that govern throughout the country.

In promoting equality among the students and the entire MinSU academic community, establishment of an Affirmative Action Program was proposed and approved by the Board of Regents through Resolution No. 21, series 2023. Through the implementation of the Universal Access for Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017, which affirms the fundamental right of all Filipinos to a high standard of education, preserves and advances that right of all Filipino students, the University developed and put into action policies that concretely support its dedication to promoting affirmative action programs. These policies support the university’s objective of providing opportunities to poor but deserving students through quality education, combined with non-discrimination and while supporting enabling opportunities to socially marginalized groups. Considering the province of Oriental Mindoro as home for big group of IPs, our Mangyans with other marginalized groups, this program promises equal and fair opportunities in the services they deserve.

Free education and affirmative action are two critical components in creating a more equitable and inclusive society. It supports the University’s objectives in ensuring that the youth, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to quality education. By removing financial barriers, it opens doors to opportunities and empowers individuals to reach their full potentials. Furthermore, free education promotes social mobility, allowing individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to society. However, it is important to recognize that equal access to education alone may not be sufficient to address historical disadvantages faced by the marginalized communities in the province.

MinSU upholds the promotion of accessible and equal education for all students, guided by primarily with R.A. No. 8731 (The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997), which recognizes and supports the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples iccS/IPs to education in their own language and cultural methods. This legal mandate guides MinSU’s commitment to inclusive education, equal opportunities, and non-discriminatory practices in all academic programs and processes.