Roy Ga, Iligan City, proposed a significant step in addressing educational opportunities within the region by discussing the establishment of a new community college. Together with CHED (Commission on Higher Education) officials, he met with City Councilor NhiCollle Capangpangan and other stakeholders to outline the proposed project’s scope. This community college aims to serve the growing educational needs of Iligan’s residents, particularly the underprivileged sectors of society who have limited access to formal higher education institutions.
The meeting, which took place at the Commission on Higher Education Region X office, was an important milestone in the long-standing effort to ensure that Iligan City’s residents have better access to educational facilities that can help them secure quality jobs in the future. The proposed Iligan Community College will offer specialized courses in technical and vocational fields as well as higher education pathways that will enable students to earn degrees from accredited programs. The initiative is part of a broader goal to ensure that Iligan youth are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive job market.
Roy Ga has been an advocate for expanding educational opportunities for the people of Iligan. His vision includes not only improving basic education but also ensuring access to quality vocational training and higher education programs. As a mayoral aspirant, he emphasized that a dedicated community college would be a significant game-changer in helping address the socio-economic challenges faced by the city.
City Councilor NhiCollle Capangpangan shared his optimism for the project, noting that a community college in Iligan would offer critical pathways to success for young Iliganons, especially those from marginalized sectors who may not have the financial means to attend private universities or go out of the city for education.
Iligan’s community college will also serve as a focal point for local partnerships and collaborations with industries that will help design curriculum aligned with job market demands. By working closely with local businesses, the school can ensure that its graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the regional economy and that students gain real-world experience through internships and apprenticeships. This partnership with the local business community would further enhance the employability of graduates.
The proposal also came with plans to ensure the accessibility and affordability of education for all Iliganon students, particularly those who have been economically disadvantaged. Roy Ga highlighted that the city government, in partnership with CHED and other stakeholders, will work to provide financial assistance, scholarships, and flexible learning options for students in need.
Moreover, in discussing the future of the Iligan Community College, Roy Ga emphasized its role in building a more equitable society. It is part of his broader mission to transform Iligan into a city where every young person has an equal chance to succeed in life, regardless of their background or financial status. By prioritizing the development of educational infrastructure and programs that address current social gaps, this new community college could play a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty in the city and empowering individuals to create better opportunities for themselves and their families.
The role of CHED’s Director for Region X, Dr. Miriam Fuentes, was crucial in providing the support necessary for pushing the project forward. Her insights into the practicalities of establishing such an institution, the steps involved in accreditation, and the funding sources available for the project were invaluable in setting a realistic timeline for the development of the community college. Dr. Fuentes reiterated CHED’s commitment to working closely with local governments and other stakeholders to build educational infrastructures that can meet the needs of regional populations.
Through these collective efforts, Roy Ga envisions an Iligan City where quality education is within reach for every youth in the area, opening up doors to opportunities that may have otherwise been inaccessible.
This endeavor reflects his commitment to creating an Iligan that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and self-sustaining through education. This project could stand as one of the defining initiatives of his leadership, reflecting his belief that education is a powerful tool in shaping the future of the community.
As discussions continue and plans are laid out, Roy Ga and his team aim to ensure that the process remains transparent and that the concerns of all stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators, are addressed. The future of the Iligan Community College, as envisioned by Roy Ga and his collaborators, is not just about creating a physical institution, but fostering an environment that encourages lifelong learning, skills development, and community-driven growth.