BY JENNA LUMBANG
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Education (DepEd) Central Luzon lauded the education programs of the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Lilia Pineda.
During the conference of local colleges in the region, CHED III Director Caridad Abuan, commended the effort of the Pineda administration in reaching out youth from far-flung areas for accessible, affordable and quality education.
This verbal commendation of CHED is due to the initiative of the provincial government in establishing satellite campuses of CHED-accredited schools like Don Honorio Ventura Technical State University (DHVTSU), and Mabalacat City College.
She also noted the enthusiasm of Gov. Pineda in coordinating with CHED on how to make local colleges and satellite campuses self-sufficient without compromising the objective of helping poor but deserving students to finish college.
“The establishment of satellite campuses of Gov. Pineda is very commendable. It only shows that she gave value to the education and future of the young Kapampangans,” said Abuan.
On the other hand, Abuan reminded other local government units to be cautious in establishing colleges to avoid closure once their budget cannot sustain its operation.
Aside from CHED, DepEd Central Luzon Director Isabelita Borres expressed gratitude to the Pineda administration in helping the agency to solve classroom shortage of the 437 public elementary schools and 106 public high schools in the province.
For the first term of Gov. Pineda, the capitol spent 241.7 million for the construction of 349 classrooms, covered courts and comforts rooms and for this year 37.6 million was allotted for the construction of additional classroom-buildings and other facilities.
“We are very thankful to Gov. Pineda for helping us create an environment conducive for learning to our students through construction of classrooms, multi-purpose covered areas and comfort rooms,” Borres said.
Apart from the infrastructure projects under the education program of the Pineda administration, the provincial government also gives scholarship programs and financial support to students who want to have a degree.