TACLOBAN CITY – The Commission on Higher Education (ChEd) has ordered the closure of Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC) in Borongan City due to non-compliance with the commission’s Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs).
In a statement released on Wednesday, Feb.5, CHEd Chairman Prospero de Vera III confirmed the outright closure and revocation of the government recognition of OLMC’s programs, effective Academic Year (AY) 2025-2026.
“Following the non-compliance of Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC) Borongan City with the Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs) of the Commission on Higher Education (ChEd), it has ordered the outright closure and revocation of the Government Recognition of its programs, effective AY 2025-2026,” the statement read.
The closure order follows a series of regulatory actions against OLMC due to its failure to meet CHED’s academic and operational standards.
In 2023, CHEd ordered the immediate closure and revocation of Government Recognition (GRs) for OLMC’s Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) and 2-year Midwifery programs due to PSG violations.
The college was also issued a show cause order for non-compliance with PSGs in offering BS Criminology and BS Nursing programs.
ChEd Regional Office VIII’s evaluation confirmed continued non-compliance with PSGs in Criminology and Nursing, prompting the full closure decision.
“The Commission has done what we can to help OLMC, but the College remains non-compliant with our PSGs. The closure is issued to ensure student access to quality education,” said CHEd Chairman de Vera.
Aside from academic deficiencies, ChEd revealed that several students had filed complaints regarding difficulties in obtaining their school records and credentials. These grievances were raised through media outlets and directly reported to ChEd Regional Office VIII.
To minimize disruptions to students’ education, ChEd has issued the following transition measures:
Fourth-year students will be allowed to complete their studies and graduate by the end of AY 2024-2025.
First-year, second-year, and third-year students will receive assistance from CHEDRO VIII to transfer to recognized Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering similar programs.
ChEd assured the affected students and their families that the commission would coordinate with reputable HEIs to facilitate a smooth transfer process.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
