THE ASSOCIATION of Catholic Universities of the Philippines (ACUP) is set for a major expansion under the leadership of UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., with plans to extend membership to tertiary-level colleges.
In an exclusive interview with the Varsitarian, Ang said the 37-member institution would soon be rebranded into the “Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of the Philippines, Inc. (ACCUP)” to signify the change.
“ACCUP’s membership application will now be opened to colleges in addition to universities, recognizing that the strength of Philippine Catholic education lies in its collective capacity to engage a broader range of institutions,” Ang told the Varsitarian.
Ang, who was ACUP vice president from 2023 to 2025, said the membership expansion was among the first resolutions passed by the new board of officers.
This change is meant to build stronger inclusivity and collaboration in addressing challenges facing Philippine education, he said.
“As ACUP continues to deepen its synodal effort, it is essential to reach out to more partners who can share in this collaborative journey, not just to advance the cause of Catholic education in particular, but to promote and contribute to the advancement of quality education within the nation,” the UST Rector added.
ACUP will set criteria for select colleges to work together to mitigate and solve the country’s education crisis, as guided by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).
“ACUP member-institution representatives are currently consultants and part of various committees of EDCOM II. Through their expertise and nuanced insights, ACUP pledges to actively contribute to resolving issues faced within the Philippine educational landscape,” Ang said.
Ang’s term as ACUP president runs until 2027.
Serving alongside him in the new board is San Beda University Rector Fr. Aloysius Maranan, O.S.B. as vice president, and Sr. Maria Marissa Viri, president of the University of Immaculate Conception and a Thomasian, as corporate secretary.
How does Ang envision UST’s role in helping ACUP meet its goals?
“UST will gladly synergize with fellow member-institutions to actively shape this shared vision into reality, assisted by the ACUP Secretariat, which has been based within UST for the longest time,” he said.
“Guided by its enduring legacy of academic excellence, UST can further support and spearhead both inter- and intra-university joint ventures and initiatives, particularly in research and academics,” he added.
ACUP is an organization of 37 Catholic higher education institutions in the country, whose goal is to uphold religious values in education for the youth and participate in conversations on faith and society. E.M.A. Sison
