DAVAO DEL SUR — In a significant move to uplift the educational and economic prospects of Davao del Sur, Congressman Atty. John Tracy “Manong John” Cagas has filed two major legislative proposals: one seeking the conversion of the Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) into a state university, and another proposing the cityhood of the Municipality of Santa Cruz.
On July 31, 2025, Cagas filed House Bill No. 905, which aims to convert DSSC into the Davao del Sur State University. The proposed legislation envisions not just a change in institutional status, but a transformation in academic opportunities for local students.
“University status means greater budget allocations, improved facilities, and a stronger voice in shaping the national academic agenda,” said Cagas. “This is about unlocking more doors for our youth and leveling the playing field for Davao del Sur and Region XI.”
DSSC, established under Republic Act No. 11220 in 2019, currently offers undergraduate and graduate programs in education, information technology, agriculture, and public administration. The proposed transition to university status is expected to bring about more research centers, increased scholarship opportunities, faculty development, and international academic linkages.
“This is our gift to the next generation—a gift of opportunity, progress, and pride,” Cagas emphasized. “We want our students to dream bigger without having to leave our province.”
In tandem with this, the lawmaker also filed House Bill No. 2787, seeking to convert the Municipality of Santa Cruz into a component city.
“As the oldest town in Davao del Sur with a thriving industrial base and a strategic coastal location, Santa Cruz has long met the requirements for cityhood,” Cagas stated. Major companies such as San Miguel Corporation, Coco Davao Inc., Franklin Baker Co., and GSL Food Industries operate in the municipality, contributing to its robust local economy.
He stressed that the cityhood of Santa Cruz would lead to more investments, improved infrastructure, and better delivery of public services.
“This move isn’t just about a change in status—it’s about fulfilling a decades-long dream of the people and securing a brighter future for every Santa Cruzian,” said Cagas.
Both bills reflect Rep. Cagas’s ongoing commitment to the holistic development of Davao del Sur, pushing forward initiatives that will empower the youth, elevate public services, and strengthen local governance.
“Padayon ta sa paglambo—para sa kabatan-onan, para sa atong probinsya,” he concluded.