Bangued:Abra Lone District Representative JB Bernos expressed optimism regarding the future of the province's youth following the official transition of the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) into the University of Abra (UA).
According to Philippines News Agency, Bernos highlighted the significance of this development, emphasizing that it is the first state university in the province. He noted the years of effort required to achieve this milestone and expressed confidence that the university would help produce highly skilled and well-educated graduates in Abra.
UA is notable as the province's first and only university, making it the fifth state university in the Cordillera Administrative Region. The transformation of ASIST into a university was initiated by Bernos through House Bill No. 2652 in 2019, with the measure becoming law on July 23, 2021.
The ceremonial transition from a state college to the University of Abra took place during the University Founder's Day in Bangued on October 6, 2026. Bernos acknowledged the challenges faced by ASIST in meeting the Commission on Higher Education's requirements to achieve university status and urged UA students to diligently pursue their studies and serve their community.
The University of Abra offers 38 academic programs, including 30 undergraduate, five master's, and three doctoral programs, and currently enrolls over 8,000 students. Its main campus is located in Lagangilang, with satellite campuses in Bangued and La Paz, and plans for another in Pilar.
