Thank you, Mr. President; and my deepest gratitude to our distinguished Majority Floor Leader.
Mr. President, honorable colleagues of this august chamber, as chairperson of the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, I rise to sponsor committee report numbers: 94, 95, 96, and 113, which seek to convert and establish the following campuses: Leyte Normal University-San Isidro Campus, Bataan Peninsula State University-Bagac Campus, Pampanga State Agricultural University-Floridablanca Campus, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Paranaque City Campus.
As vowed by the university officials, what is being sought goes beyond a change of name but a qualitative improvement in its offerings and outcomes. Their elevation into a regular campus brings with it certain autonomous decision-making prerogatives. And powers devolved would augur well for this campus’s future, as it will invite local stakeholders to engage and be involved more in the affairs that is an integral part of their educational system.
The committee amendments improve the House bills by including key provisions which are both goals and tools in achieving the desired quality standards expected of a higher institute of learning. The conversion and establishment of these campuses are driven, not only by egalitarian motives, of democratizing access to its portals but in making sure as well that it is attended with excellence. These campuses are an essential part of the growth of their respective localities, Mr. President.
As a province grows, so must the school grow so it can train and require human capital to propel its progress. Education, Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, is a development imperative. These bills ensure that it is for the present and for the future of these areas and those who dwell therein.
I submit, Mr. President.