Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU), through the Office of the President, held a press conference on July 6, 2026, to clarify the University’s position regarding recent developments involving claims over portions of the University land reservation.
Attended by representatives from various media organizations in Bukidnon, the press conference provided an opportunity for the University to present the legal and institutional basis for safeguarding the land reserved for CMU’s educational, research, extension, and development functions.
University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe emphasized that CMU remains committed to protecting the integrity of the University land reservation through lawful and appropriate legal processes.
The discussion came in response to recent developments following the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) reported revalidation process concerning portions of the University reservation. Dr. Eballe clarified that, as of the press conference, the University had not yet received an official copy of the reported validation assessment from the DAR.
Also present during the press conference was the University’s private legal counsel, Atty. Jeoffrey Sayson, who discussed the legal framework governing the University reservation. He cited the Presidential Proclamation 476 establishing the University’s land reservation and relevant jurisprudence, explaining that CMU continues to assert its legal rights over the property in accordance with existing laws and court decisions.
Atty. Sayson further explained that any issues concerning access to or occupancy of portions of the University reservation should be addressed through established legal and administrative procedures. He added that the University is prepared to pursue appropriate legal remedies to protect government property should circumstances warrant.
“We could not act on anything that has not been officially served upon Central Mindanao University…If they implement that without giving a copy, that is certainly a violation of the due process of law,” Atty. Sayson said.
Apart from clarifying the University’s legal position, Dr. Eballe underscored that protecting the University land reservation is essential to realizing CMU’s long-term vision as the country’s premier agricultural higher education institution and an emerging research university.
He shared that the University has identified portions of the reservation for future academic and research expansion through its Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP).
Among the priority projects under consideration are the relocation and expansion of the College of Agriculture to provide larger, more specialized facilities for instruction, field laboratories, and experiential learning. The proposed development also includes expanded plant tissue culture laboratories, particularly for coconut and banana tissue culture, to support the production of high-quality planting materials, strengthen agricultural research, and contribute to the country’s food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Atty. Sayson emphasized that the Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan is a critical planning document that demonstrates the University’s intended use of its land reservation.
Dr. Eballe emphasized that these planned developments are aligned with CMU’s mandate as a premier agricultural university and its strategic direction toward becoming a globally recognized research university. He noted that preserving the integrity of the University’s land reservation is vital to ensuring sufficient space for future academic programs.
“CMU is duty-bound to preserve the land resources essential to its mandate. To diminish or impair them would undermine not only the rule of law but also the future of students, researchers, farmers, scientists, and communities who depend on the University for education, innovation, food security, and sustainable development.” Dr. Eballe said.
Throughout the briefing, University officials reiterated that CMU respects due process and remains committed to resolving the matter through lawful means while ensuring that the University’s mandate to provide quality instruction, research, extension, and production services is upheld. [Iyren Dalipe Neri]
