2024 Reports | SDG 1 – No Poverty
As an academic institution, ISU profoundly understands the pivotal role of education in defining the lives of every determined individual as they make their ways in their respective communities. ISU believes in the promising opportunity of education in empowering people against their respective predicaments. Hence, investing in people and young minds produces rippling effects for community empowerment, thereby reducing intergenerational poverty incidences.
Enrollment First Semester SY 2024-2025
| Campus | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| Echague | 11,345 |
| Angadanan | 3,470 |
| Cabagan | 6,698 |
| Cauayan | 7,674 |
| Ilagan | 5,399 |
| Jones | 1,009 |
| Palanan | 773 |
| Roxas | 3,115 |
| San Mariano | 1,358 |
| San Mateo | 1,509 |
| Santiago | 382 |
| TOTAL | 42,796 |
Students Parent Income Group
| Students’ Parents Income (Source: PIDS) | Total Number of Students 2023-2024 |
|---|---|
| Rich – greater than or equal to P219,140 | 103 |
| High income (but not rich)- greater than or equal to P131,484 but less than P219,140 | 231 |
| Upper middle income- greater than or equal to P76,669 but less than P131,484 | 785 |
| Middle class- greater than or equal to P43,828 but less than P76,669 | 4,875 |
| Lower middle class- greater than or equal to P21,194 but less than P43,828 | 9,726 |
| Low income (but not poor)- greater than or equal to P10,957 but less than P21,194 | 10,428 |
| Poor- less than P10,957 | 16,648 |
| Total | 42,796 |
Admitted Students’ Parent Income belong to lower middle class
| Students’ Parents Income (Source: PIDS) | Total Number of Students 2023-2024 |
|---|---|
| Middle class- greater than or equal to P43,828 but less than P76,669; | 4,875 |
| Lower middle class- greater than or equal to P21,194 but less than P43,828 | 9,726 |
| Low income (but not poor)- greater than or equal to P10,957 but less than P21,194 | 10,428 |
| Poor- less than P10,957 | 16,648 |
| Total | 41,677 |
University Anti-Poverty Programs
Admissions and Completion Targets for Students from Low-Income Households
Isabela State University (ISU), as a state-funded higher education institution, has a clear social mandate to prioritize the educational access of students coming from the lowest income sectors of society. In line with Republic Act 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act) and its commitment to SDG 1, the university explicitly integrates preferential admission and completion targets for students belonging to households earning ₱43,000 and below monthly income, classified as low to lower-middle class based on Philippine Statistics Authority data.
A. Admission Targets
| Category | Target Number of Enrollees | Actual Number of Enrollees | Total Number of Students belong to Lower middle class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelors Program) | 41,508 | 41,123 | 40,662 |
| Graduate Studies (Masteral and Doctoral Program | 1,350 | 1,267 | 784 |
| Post-Baccalaureate (Medicine, Juris Doctor, PDDSA, GDCE) | 450 | 406 | 231 |
| TOTAL | 43,308 | 42,796 | 41,677 |
| Percentage of Admitted Students who fall into bottom 20% or low-income household | 97.39% |
In 2024, ISU set a proactive target of 43,308 enrollees across undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs, with a strong focus on admitting students from low-income households. The University successfully admitted 42,796 students, of which 41,677 or 97.39% belonged to low-income household. This clearly demonstrates that ISU not only complies with RA 10931, but also strategically prioritizes access for marginalized learners through deliberate admission policies.
To ensure that access translates into academic success and eventual completion, ISU supplements free tuition with a comprehensive support ecosystem such as scholarship programs, student assistant and loan schemes, free transportation, free coffee, bread and porridge, free Wi-Fi, transport bikes, mentoring and counseling services, access to learning facilities, and livelihood and skills training programs. These interventions enable disadvantaged students not just to enter the University, but to thrive and graduate, embodying ISU’s mission of reducing poverty by empowering learners toward upward mobility and social transformation.
B. Graduation / Completion Targets
| Category | Target Number of Graduates | Actual Number of Graduates | Total Number of Graduates belong to Lower middle class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelors Program) | 7,250 | 7,040 | 7,109 |
| Graduate Studies (Masteral and Doctoral Program | 267 | 181 | 71 |
| Post-Baccalaureate (Medicine, Juris Doctor, PDDSA, GDCE) | 55 | 34 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 7,572 | 7,255 | 7,183 |
| Percentage of graduates who fall into bottom 20% or low-income household | 99% |
The Registrar’s Office and Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) established a graduation and completion target of 7,572 students for Academic Year 2024, with a specific mandate that at least 75% of these graduates must come from households within the bottom 20% income group. To support this goal, OSAS implemented a series of responsive student care interventions addressing academic, financial, psychosocial, and personal concerns. These include counseling and mentoring services, retention and re-engagement programs, emergency financial assistance, flexible learning support, and reintegration mechanisms for at-risk students.
For 2024, ISU recorded a total of 7,255 actual graduates, of which 7,183 or 99% were belong to lower-middle-income households. This performance significantly surpassed the original 75% target, demonstrating the University’s strong capacity not only to admit but also to successfully graduate students from disadvantaged economic backgrounds. Through this sustained commitment, ISU continues to convert access into upward mobility, solidifying its role as a driver of poverty reduction through higher education.
ISU’s institutional policies clearly demonstrate that poverty is not a barrier to education. By achieving high admission and completion rates among low-income students, the university directly contributes to poverty reduction through higher education attainment, aligning with both national mandates and SDG 1 global indicators.
Implementation of Free Higher Education Act
Starting Academic Year 2018-2019, the Isabela State University is one of the implementers of 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 𝙃𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙀𝙍 𝙀𝘿𝙐𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙂𝙍𝘼𝙈 under the Republic Act 10931 or Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA). All undergraduate students enrolled in the University are 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 of charge in payment of 𝙩𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙨.
| School Year | Number of Students | Number of Students with Free Tuition Fee and Other Miscellaneous Fees | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 40,127 | 37,553 | 93.58 |
| 2022-2023 | 39,729 | 37,729 | 94.96 |
| 2023-2024 | 40,420 | 38,460 | 95.15 |
| 2024-2025 | 42,796 | 40,158 | 93.84 |
For SY 2024-2025, the university has a total population of 42, 796 students from both undergraduate and graduate programs wherein 93.84% or 40,158 of them are not paying their tuition fees and other miscellaneous fees.
Financial Aid for Students
| Scholarship | Number of Scholars/Grantees | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| University Sponsored (Merit) | 4,007 | 9.36 |
| Government Sponsored (Merit) | 147 | 0.34 |
| Government Sponsored (Financial Aid) | 39,373 | 92 |
| Private/Non-Government Sponsored | 48 | 0.11 |
| Free Tuition Fee and Other Miscellaneous Fees | 40,158 | 93.84 |
PROGRAM AND INITIATIVES FOR STUDENTS
The Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) has institutionalized a comprehensive support system to ensure that students, particularly those from financially challenged backgrounds that are fully equipped to succeed academically and complete their studies on time. To achieve this, the University implemented a range of responsive programs and initiatives, including:
1. List of Scholarship Opportunities
In pursuit of inclusive and equitable access to quality education, the University upholds its sustainability mandate by expanding scholarship and financial assistance programs that enable students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher learning without financial barriers. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, community involvement, and athletic achievement, ensuring that deserving students are supported not only in terms of tuition coverage but also in their holistic development as future leaders and nation-builders.
1.1 University Sponsored
Based on Board Resolution No. 65, s. 2018, the Isabela State University Scholarship Unit administers merit-based scholarship programs in accordance with established university policies and guidelines. As part of its commitment to academic excellence and equitable incentive distribution, the University has adopted a standing policy whereby scholars who are already beneficiaries of free tuition and/or miscellaneous fee privileges shall instead receive their corresponding entitlements in the form of cash incentives, equivalent to the assessed value of their waived fees. This mechanism ensures that student achievements are appropriately recognized and rewarded, while allowing merit scholars to utilize their benefits for other essential academic and living expenses, thereby enhancing retention and completion outcomes.
First Semester AY 2024-2025
| No. | Particulars | Privileges | Number of Scholars/ Grantees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athletes Scholarship | |||
| National Level | 1,500/sem | 6 | 9,000.00 | |
| Regional Level | 1,500/sem | 19 | 28,500.00 | |
| Quadrangular Level (University) | 1,500/sem | 1 | 1,500.00 | |
| 2 | Academic Scholarship | |||
| University Scholarship | 3,000/sem | 737 | 2,211,000.00 | |
| College Scholarship | 2,000/sem | 2,895 | 5,790,000.00 | |
| 3 | Entrance Scholarship with Highest Honor | 3,000/sem | 34 | 102,000.00 |
| 4 | Faculty Employee Assistantship | 75% Discount on TF/sem | 25 | 121,050.00 |
| 5 | ROTC Officer Scholarship | |||
| Corp Commander | 2,000/sem | 1 | 2,000 | |
| Other Officers | 1,500/sem | 71 | 106,500.00 | |
| 6 | Socio-Cultural Scholarship | |||
| Quadrangular Level (University) | 1,500/sem | 34 | 51,000.00 | |
| 7 | Student Organization Scholarship | |||
| SSC President | 2,000/sem | 4 | 8,000.00 | |
| SSC Vice President | 1,500/sem | 4 | 6,000.00 | |
| SSC Secretary | 1,500/sem | 6 | 9,000.00 | |
| SSC Treasurer | 1,500/sem | 6 | 9,000.00 | |
| SSC Auditor | 1,500/sem | 6 | 9,000.00 | |
| SSC Accountant | 1,500/sem | 6 | 9,000.00 | |
| SSC PRO | 1,500/sem | 2 | 3,000.00 | |
| SBO President | 1,500/sem | 22 | 33,000.00 | |
| 8 | Student Publication Scholarship | |||
| Editor-In-Chief | 3,000/sem | 3 | 9,000.00 | |
| Associate Editor-In-Chief | 2,000/sem | 7 | 14,000.00 | |
| Section Editor, Layout Artist, Cartoonist | 1,500/sem | 61 | 91,500.00 | |
| Official Writers | 1,000/sem | 57 | 57,000.00 | |
| TOTAL | 4,007 | 8,680,050.00 |
In addition to the Free Tuition and Miscellaneous Fee benefits mandated under Republic Act 10931, the University further strengthens its commitment to SDG by facilitating access to a wide range of educational assistance programs funded by various national and local government agencies. These include grants and scholarships provided by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Agriculture (DA), as well as Congressional, Senatorial, and Municipal Scholarship Programs. Collectively, these funding mechanisms support thousands of financially disadvantaged students across all ISU campuses, ensuring that economic status does not hinder access to higher education.
Furthermore, Isabela State University serves as a key partner institution in the implementation of the Bojie-Rodito Opportunities Education Assistance Program (BRO-Ed) of the Provincial Government of Isabela. Under this initiative, every farmer-family is guaranteed one college scholarship slot, providing direct educational support to smallholder farmers who aspire to produce at least one college graduate per household. This program not only reduces the financial burden on agricultural families but also serves as an incentive for increased productivity and community upliftment.
Through these extensive scholarship linkages, ISU reinforces its role as a social equalizer, converting education into a concrete instrument for poverty alleviation and rural development.
1.2 Government Sponsored (Merit)
First Semester AY 2024-2025
| No. | Particulars | Privileges | Number of Scholars/ Grantees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Sponsored (Merit) | ||||
| 1 | CHED CSP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM | 40,000/sem | 3 | 120,000.00 |
| 2 | CHED MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (CMSP) FULL | 40,000/sem | 1 | 40,000.00 |
| 3 | CHED MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (CMSP) HALF | 20,000/sem | 6 | 120,000.00 |
| 4 | COSHO SCHOLARSHIP | 70,000/sem | 4 | 280,000.00 |
| 5 | DA – NTA – TFDSP SCHOLARSHIP | 7,000/sem | 9 | 63,000.00 |
| 6 | DAT – TESDA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM | 19,000/sem | 7 | 133,000.00 |
| 7 | DOST-SEI SCHOLARIP PROGRAM | 55,000/sem | 73 | 4,015,000.00 |
| 8 | SIDA-SGP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (SUGARCAINE) | 55,000/sem | 9 | 495,000.00 |
| 9 | MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP AND RETURN SERVICE (MSRS) PROGRAM | 88,500 stipend plus school fees/sem | 35 | 3,097,500.00 |
| TOTAL | 147 | 8,363,500.00 |
1.3 Government Sponsored (Financial Aid)
First Semester AY 2024-2025
| No. | Particulars | Privileges | Number of Scholars/ Grantees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Sponsored (Financial Aid) | ||||
| 1 | BRO FOR EDUCATION PROGRAM | 3,000/sem | 10,452 | 31,356,000.00 |
| 2 | CHED TULONG DUNONG PROGRAM (TDP) (Continuing and New) | 7,500/sem | 25,776 | 193,320,000.00 |
| 3 | CHED TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDY (TES) (Continuing and New) | 10,000/sem | 2,810 | 28,100,000.00 |
| 4 | CONG INNO DY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER AICS PROGRAM | 3,000/sem | 33 | 99,000.00 |
| 5 | DA AGRICULTURAL COMPETITIVENESS ENHANCEMENT FUND | 13,500/sem | 8 | 108,000.00 |
| 6 | QUIRINIAN STUDENT ORGANIZATION SCHOLARS (AICS PROGRAM) | 3,000/sem | 294 | 882,000.00 |
| TOTAL | 39,373 | 253,865,000.00 |
1.4 Private/Non-Government Sponsored
To further expand access to tertiary education, the University has established strategic partnerships with various private companies and philanthropic foundations through formal Memoranda of Agreement (MOA). These collaborations enable the provision of privately funded scholarship programs, creating additional pathways for financially disadvantaged students to pursue and complete their degree programs without interruption.
First Semester AY 2024-2025
| No. | Particulars | Privileges | Number of Scholars/ Grantees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP | 25,000.00/sem | 5 | 125,000.00 |
| 2 | GREGORIO P. UY AND LEE PENG SCHOLARSHIP FOUND | 4,000.00/sem | 29 | 116,000.00 |
| 3 | SANTEH AQUACULTURE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FO | 12,500/sem | 4 | 50,000.00 |
| 4 | ISKOLAR NG LANDBANK | 100,000.00/annual | 3 | 300,000.00 |
| 5 | LINGAPLEADS AGRI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM | 17,900.00/sem | 7 | 125,300.00 |
| TOTAL | 48 | 716,300.00 |
2. Student Assistantship Program
Effective First Semester SY 2021-2022, Isabela State University offers Student Assistantship Program (SAP) which is given to students who render emergency or temporary services to acquire training and gain extra income especially those students who fall into the bottom 20% of household income.
3. Student Loan Program
Based on the Board Resolution No. 91 series of 2003 or the establishment of a Student Loan Program (SLP), all bonafide students can avail this loan to aid them in their school needs such as payment in their school project/s, allowances, payment of boarding house and among others.
4. Free Lugaw (Porrige) and Water
As the academic year 2024-2025 begins, the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), in collaboration with the ISU Multi-Purpose Cooperative, warmly welcomes students with a special treat. Today, August 12, free lugaw is being served at the Students’ Plaza.
This initiative reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 4: Quality Education.
5. Free Coffee and Bread for ISUans
The Isabela State University (ISU) provides programs and initiatives that support students in completing their studies on time. One such effort is the “Eat, Sip, and Read” program of the University Library at ISU–Echague Campus, which offers free coffee and bread in a welcoming academic space. This initiative not only promotes the library as a hub for learning and relaxation but also helps ease students’ daily food expenses. By providing both nourishment and encouragement, the program sustains students in their academic journey, reducing financial strain that often hinders success. This modest yet meaningful intervention reflects ISU’s commitment to inclusivity and aligns with SDG 1 ensuring that all students, regardless of economic background, can thrive in an environment that nurtures learning, well-being, and achievement.
6. Free Internet Access for Academic Use
Taking a significant step toward equitable access to online resources, the ISU Echague has implemented free internet access for students, with vouchers dispatched to college secretaries on February 21, following the release of Memorandum No. 049, s. 2024 from the Office of the Executive Officer. These vouchers serve as gateways to the campus internet network, ensuring seamless connectivity for academic purposes. Students may avail themselves of these vouchers from their respective college secretaries whenever they need internet access on campus. This initiative reduced the financial burden of internet expenses on students, especially those from economically disadvantaged families. Free access to digital resources ensures that poverty does not hinder opportunities for academic success, thereby supporting social mobility and inclusive education.
7. Free Transportation (Libreng Sakay)
The Isabela State University (ISU) continuously supports students in completing their studies on time by implementing programs that ease financial burdens. One notable initiative is the “Libreng Sakay Program” of the Quirinian Students’ Organization (QSO) of ISU Echague, a free transportation service that reduces daily travel expenses for students. Implemented in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Government of Quirino Province, the program safely transported students from various municipalities back to their homes, demonstrating QSO’s mission of accessible and inclusive service. This initiative significantly eases the struggles of students and families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, by ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to education. More than free rides, the program reflects a shared commitment to equity.
8. Free Transport Bikes
The free transport bikes for ISU students aim to reduce the impact of poverty by removing transportation expenses as a hindrance to their education. The transport bikes are available for use at designated bike stations near the campus’ main gate, colleges, and student dormitories, providing easily accessible transportation for students. The transportation bikes are expected to enhance the mobility and accessibility of the university community, while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint associated with conventional modes of transportation.
9. Free Legal Assistance
Through Board Resolution No. 60 series of 2022, the University established a Legal Aid Clinic. The general goal of the program is to legally empower local communities, especially the students from low-income families, by making justice more accessible to them while in the process continue to uphold the principles of social justice, rule of law, and humanity.
10. Payout of KALAHI-CIDSS Beneficiaries through the initiative of Sen. Imee Marcos
The implementation of Cash-for-Work Program for State Universities College graduates of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides temporary employment to college graduates for the Academic Year 2022-2023.
The Kalahi-CIDSS, otherwise known as the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, is one of the poverty alleviation programs of the Philippine Government being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It uses the community-driven development (CDD) approach, a globally recognized strategy for achieving service delivery, poverty reduction, and good governance outcomes.
RELATIONSHIP WITH NGOs AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND CONDUCT OF LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS TO THE COMMUNITY
The University upholds a philosophy rooted in service, particularly for underserved, deprived, and marginalized communities. Guided by CHED Memorandum Order No. 20, series of 2011, the institution allocates 10% of its tuition fees to Extension Services, reaffirming its dedication to community engagement and development.
Through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Special Budget (SB) No. 164, the university earmarked ₱17,289,548.47 to strengthen these initiatives. This funding supports the rollout of startup assistance, mentorship programs, training workshops, and access to university facilities. Such comprehensive support not only promotes the creation of sustainable local enterprises but also advances long-term economic and social development—fully aligned with the university’s mission to uplift communities through education, innovation, and collaboration.
In 2024, a total of 131 extension programs were successfully completed, demonstrating the university’s active and continuing impact at the grassroots level.
One significant initiative is the “TechnoBiz Go Negosyo: Capability Building and Upgrading on Catering Services and Community Outreach” of the College of Business and Management, ISU-Cauayan Campus. This program equips participants, especially women, with skills in catering services, business upgrading, and planning, while fostering collaboration and empowerment. Beyond promoting profitability, the initiative emphasizes inclusivity and social responsibility by encouraging the provision of budget-friendly services that benefit the wider community. By helping participants generate sustainable income and reduce financial vulnerability.
The Isabela State University (ISU), through the ISU-Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center (CVCDC), extended vital support to local cacao farmers, associations, and cooperatives by providing specialized training on cacao butter processing; a crucial step in producing high-quality cacao products that meet market demands. Participants, representing various cacao associations in the province, gained in-depth knowledge on maximizing cacao butter by-products, addressing issues of underutilization while promoting sustainability and profitability within the cacao industry. This initiative helps the farmers and cooperatives with the skills and knowledge needed to increase income, reduce economic vulnerability, and create sustainable livelihoods through value-added cacao products. By strengthening local capacity, ISU empowers the cacao community of Apayao and other cooperatives, paving the way for inclusive economic development, improved market competitiveness, and poverty reduction within the province.
Through the Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) of ISU-Cauayan, the University extended support to rural communities in Barangay Burgos, Naguilian via the program “Empowering Communities: Agricultural Innovation for Sustainable Growth:Pato-Manok, Gulay, Maka-Kabuteng Pangkabuhayan Program for the Province of Isabela.” This initiative provides farmers and households with accessible training in modern agricultural technologies such as integrated duck-chicken production, vegetable cultivation, and mushroom farming. Through continuous learning and guidance will further improve their lives, ISU empowers rural families to enhance food security, generate additional income, and adopt sustainable practices.
