College prexy addresses students’ concerns

BANGUED, Abra -- The president of the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (Asist) initiated the conduct of dialogue with students to air their concerns to the school administration.

During the first “President’s Hour” last August 3, Dr. Aurelio Labanen met with students of the Bangued Campus and listened as they raised their issues and concerns such as the improvement of various school and dormitory facilities like additional comfort rooms and renovation of the gymnasium.

Labanen said more are expected as Abra Representative Ma. Jocelyn Bernos had approved the construction of a school building to accommodate the growing population of the Bangued Campus. Bernos will provide P6 million and Asist will put up its counterpart of P2 million.

The students also raised fears of being infected of dengue due to the presence of stagnant waters under the Gabaldon-type of school buildings here. On this concern, Edna Tinasa, the school nurse, reported they have already coordinated with the Department of Health (DOH) for the treatment of the stagnant waters under the main building.

Labanen assured the students that said concern will be attended to by the academic people under the care of Dr. Zenaida Astudillo, vice president for Academic Affairs.

Other concerns such as the use of biometrics in the identification cards of students and employees, and the request for a reduction in the charges for various student development fees like athletic fee, internet fees, and other fees were also raised.

Labanen assured the students all these are now being studied by Management and will send someone for training so the college can start implementing all the requested innovations to be carried out. (Maritess B. Beñas)