The Commission on Higher Education (CHR) on Thursday denied the reported surge of Chinese students in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Cagayan province.
"Based on the records of CHEDRO 2, there are no Chinese students enrolled in local colleges and universities in Cagayan province," it said in a statement received by DZRH News.
JUST IN: CHED, nilinaw na walang naka-enroll na mga Chinese student sa mga local college at university sa Cagayan. | RH 5 @dzrh5 Val Gonzales pic.twitter.com/uktLTZWM2d
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) April 18, 2024
Meanwhile, CHED confirmed that St. Paul University - Tuguegarao City has a "significant number of Chinese students enrolled."
The commission, however, noted it has yet to receive complaints that St. Paul University, an autonomous HEI, violated the memorandum that allows selected universities to enroll foreign students.
"In case of complaint or reports of violation, CHED will forward the same to this inter-agency committee for its appropriate action," it assured.
Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph 'Jojo' Lara filed last month House Resolution No. 1666 which urges the House to conduct a legislative inquiry on the "surge of alleged Chinese students enrolling" in colleges and universities in Cagayan province, particularly in Tuguegarao City.
He said the probe is in view of ensuring national security amidst the prevailing tension between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
In regards to the security concerns related to the high number of Chinese enrollees, CHED said it "leave the matter to the expertise of our security agencies to investigate and recommend appropriate actions,"
The commission welcomed any probe on the concern and vowed to "support and attend congressional investigations and other inter-agency meetings."
