University of Rizal System

The University of Rizal System (URS) is a merger of two state colleges and a university extension campus—the Rizal Polytechnic College, Rizal State College, and the Rizal Technological University extension campus. The Republic Act 9157 lapsed into law on August 11, 2001, established a State University in the Province of Rizal to be known as the University of Rizal System by integrating the Rizal State College and its extension campuses in Angono, Binangonan, Pililla, and Rodriguez, the Rizal Polytechnic College and its extension campus in Cainta and Rizal Technological University-Antipolo Annex, all in the Province of Rizal. On June 18, 2002, CHED Resolution No. 411-4004 was issued, identifying Tanay Campus as the university's main campus. As part of its university charter, it shall primarily offer higher professional and technical instructions and training in science and technology and promote research, extension, production services, advanced studies, and specialized training in all fields deemed relevant to the development goals of the Province of Rizal.

As the lone state university in the Province of Rizal, the University of Rizal System is the only higher educational institution granted full benefits by implementing RA 10931. Also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, it is a law that promotes universal access to quality tertiary education by providing free tuition and other school fees. Section 4: Free Higher Education in SUCs and LUCs. All Filipino students who are either currently enrolled at the time of the effectivity of this Act or shall enroll at any time after that in courses in pursuance of a bachelor’s degree, certificate degree, or any comparable undergraduate degree in any SUC and LUC shall be exempt from paying tuition and other school fees for units enrolled in.

The University of Rizal System is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within its academic institution and the broader community. As part of its strategic vision, the university integrates Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10—focused on reducing inequalities—into its policies, programs, and strategic plan by providing equal access to quality education for all, irrespective of socio-economic background, gender, disability, or ethnicity. URS ensures its programs and courses are designed to be inclusive and accessible, with targeted support for students from marginalized communities, including Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged groups.

The university firmly adheres to non-discrimination for all its stakeholders and equal opportunity principles in its policies and guidelines. It ensures its internal policies and decision-making processes reflect its commitment to reducing inequalities. It has developed guidelines to ensure that decision-making bodies, such as academic and administrative councils and selection boards, are inclusive and represent the diverse student body and staff with free will to the organization. The university is serious about creating a safe and inclusive campus environment. Strict guidelines on preventing and addressing discrimination, harassment, and bullying, whether based on gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, or socio-economic status, are heavily enforced at all levels and times. The university’s commitment is evident in its efforts to promote access, fairness, and opportunity in all aspects of university life.

To continuously improve in reducing inequalities in support of SDG 10, URS will integrate principles of inclusivity into its planning and development. In reviewing and updating its strategic plans, URS will ensure that its objectives and targets address social inequalities and that all its programs, from curriculum development, to land use development and infrastructure plan, will contribute to creating a more equitable and just society.