Wednesday, August 15, 2007 Bacolod lawmaker to support charter change in UP
BACOLOD Lone District Representative Monico Puentevella vowed to support charter change for the University of the Philippines.
In his statement, Puentevella said, “This is not about the shift from the presidential to the parliamentary system of government. This is about working an outdated charter of UP to a new one so UP will have greater academic independence and to have change to engage in self-sustaining income generating projects such as joint ventures with private businesses.”
“I know the essence of what UP stands for. It carries the name of the Philippines and we need to maintain its world class standards,” the Bacolod solon added.
The solon said, “If its new and empowering charter shall be passed by Congress, then, it would mean salary increases and greater support for its regional operation thus accommodating more students to enter and experience UP education.”
The new UP Charter Bill was initiated by Senate Majority Floor Leader Francisco Pangilingan in the 13th Congress but was not passed due to lack of quorum in the House of Representatives.
Puentevella vowed support for the institution and sees no obstacle in the 14th Congress why it cannot be passed.
Meanwhile, Puentevella stressed that he had his share as far as education is concerned, saying, “Had it not been for the ‘politicization’ of Bacolod City College (BCC) before and until now, its conversion to a polytechnic state college or university had already passed the first reading three years ago in Congress.”
“BCC today is so politicized that its growth is hampered and will just remain as a small college. But I have no hard feelings towards it being an educational institution of which I know it still benefits young people to a certain extent,” Puentevella said.
Puentevella added, “If my services is needed and the city would want national funding, I will gladly help.
Besides papers for the BCC conversion is already prepared by its former president, Dr. Norma Juarez.”
“For the cause of education, this is the reason why I’m working things out with the South Korean government to fund a polytechnic-IT university that will expose students to world class training, “ he added.(GABS )
