Murcia marks milestone in tertiary education

With the blessing and turnover of the facilities and site for the Central Philippine State University (CPSU) – Murcia Extension Class last November 4, the Municipality of Murcia marks another milestone in its thrust to provide free top-quality tertiary education to Murciahanons.

“Our senior high school graduates need not travel far and spend lots of money to go to college. With the presence of CPSU here, our students can study and finish their tertiary education for free, right here in Murcia. This program is a testament to our commitment and all-out support to the education of our children,” said Murcia Mayor Gerry M. Rojas.

“Initially, this is just an extension class with 140 freshmen students enrolled in Agribusiness and Information Technology courses. Next school year and every year thereafter, we will increase the number of students. We will work with CPSU to convert this into a full-pledged campus, so that in five years or so, more courses can be offered and Murciahanons students can avail of this opportunity,” he added.

The mayor thanked 3rd District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez for endorsing the program’s approval to the Commission on Higher Education, Gov. Eugenio “Bong” Lacson for the provincial government’s support to this and other programs in Murcia, and the Technical Working Group headed by Murcia District II Supervisor Mylene Cornel, PhD for the documentation and legwork which paved the way for the project.

On the other hand, CPSU President Aladino C. Moraca, PhD thanked Mayor Rojas for choosing CPSU as its partner in delivering quality tertiary education to Murciahanons.

“This is the first model in our partnerships with LGUs where, instead of starting from scratch, we already have classrooms, offices, building and other facilities to start with. On CPSU’s side, I will ensure that this institution will produce graduates whom we can be proud of, even in the international stage,” Moraca said.

He explained that CPSU is certified by the International Standards Organization. Since Murcia Extension Class is attached to the CPSU main campus, the diplomas of the graduates will bear the ISO seal, which means world-class standard.

Moreover, CPSU belongs to the top three of all state universities and colleges in the country in all Level I certification of all of its courses.

For his part, Rep. Benitez congratulated Murcia officials for picking the right academic partner in CPSU, pointing out that it is an honor for Murcia to be part of CPSU’s university system. He assured Moraca that the presence of high government officials and other stakeholders in this event manifest their commitment to the continued operation of CPSU in Murcia for the years to come.

“The investment in education is a gift that you can take with you, wherever you will go. Your education is something that nobody can take away from you. The dream of Mayor Rojas is to give you access to excellent education here in Murcia, so that you can improve your lives and of your families. Your success is also the success of Murcia, of the Third District and of Negros Occidental,” Benitez told the students and youth.

Gov. Lacson also congratulated Murciahanons for this milestone in education, and he thanked CPSU for its committed efforts to provide excellent and affordable education to the people of the province.

“The existence of CPSU has changed the educational landscape of Negros Island by providing quality and accessible education, with special focus on agriculture. Thus CPSU’s presence is very relevant to the province and the entire country. Under our development agenda, education will always be the most important tool in lifting families out of poverty and in giving solid opportunities to our people,” Lacson stressed.

During the event, the mayor turned over the ceremonial check worth P3 million for the first year of the school’s operations.
Plaques of appreciation were also presented to Agnes Magsaysay Villar and the Villar family, represented by former SB Member Nic Constantino, for donating the school site, and to Tele Tech Philippines, represented by IT Supervisor Jinny Jon Peraren, for donating 30 sets of personal computers to the school.

Fr. Jomar Solano officiated the blessing of the buildings, facilities and campus. Also present at the event were Vice-Mayor Johnny Reosura, who welcomed the guests, Sangguniang Bayan Members, Murcia school heads led by Murcia District Supervisors Erna Dogelio and Mylene Cornel, Punong Barangays and Brgy. Salvacion officials headed by PB Jenny Jimenea.* (Butch Bacaoco)