The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has granted Autonomous Status to the Valenzuela, Quezon City, and Antipolo campuses of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU). This recognition, effective from September 2024 to September 2027, was formalized through CHED Memorandum Order No. 07, Series of 2024.
Significantly, this marks OLFU Valenzuela’s fourth straight recognition, Quezon City’s second in a row, and Antipolo’s inaugural achievement—signifying notable milestones for all three campuses.
This prestigious designation places OLFU among 77 private higher education institutions in the Philippines recognized for their commitment to excellence.
The criteria outlined in CHED Memorandum Order No. 6, Series of 2023, focused on three key areas: Commitment to Program Excellence (30 points), Excellence in Instruction, Scholarly Works, and Community Engagement (40 points), and Institutional Quality and Excellence (30 points).
CHED emphasized a rigorous assessment process that considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on private higher education institutions. Applicant institutions were evaluated based on their performance from July 1, 2019, to September 15, 2023.
Despite challenges in meeting specific indicators during the pandemic, OLFU demonstrated exemplary performance, earning the required score for Autonomous Status.
This designation provides the three campuses with significant benefits, including priority access to financial support from CHED, enhancing funding opportunities. Additionally, the autonomous campuses may confer honorary degrees, further boosting its prestige and community ties.
The Valenzuela, Quezon City, and Antipolo campuses also enjoy curricular independence, enabling them to develop and implement programs aligned with global standards.
Furthermore, this autonomy allows for the introduction of new undergraduate and graduate programs without needing prior authorization from CHED, except in certain restricted fields, thereby fostering innovation and responsiveness to emerging educational needs.
As the university navigates the post-pandemic landscape, it aims to leverage its autonomous status to enhance educational opportunities and foster global competence among its students. —Raymond Lumagsao
