THE Commission on Higher Education (Ched) had not objected to a bill that aims to establish the first state college in the Province of Dinagat Islands.
The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education passed on Monday, May 29, 2023, House Bill 0321, which was earlier deferred because of Ched’s concerns about the establishment of a publicly-funded Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Dinagat Islands.
"Since the deferment of its initial deliberation last 13 March 2023, we have explored all alternative and possible means of providing quality higher education to the people of Dinagat Islands," Dinagata Islands Representative Alan 1 Ecleo.
Ecleo filed the bill.
"After careful consideration of all factors and of the actual situation on the ground, it is my humble but passionate opinion that this House Bill proceed as originally intended," he added.
Ecleo has pushed for the passage of the bill since his previous term.
"We believe that Dinagatnon students should not have to leave their families and their homes in order to pursue a better life through higher education," he said.
"Aside from matriculation, prospective college students face costs related to transportation, lodging, and other necessary expenses which all can be mitigated by having a publicly-funded higher education institution (HEI) within the Province," Ecleo added.
"The establishment of this state college will encourage more Dinagat Islands students to pursue degrees that are relevant to their lives, communities, and need for employment," Ecleo said.
Ecleo, who chairs the Committee on Disaster Resilience, also pushed for the passage of a consolidated bill enabling a moratorium on student loan payments for college students during times of crises, in a joint committee hearing with the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education held earlier Monday, May 29, 2023.
“Students who contract student loans are already saddled with financial burdens that would only be compounded by the devastating effects of natural and climate-related disasters,” Ecleo said.
“While we continue to adapt and mitigate the destructive effects of the changing climate, we cannot allow disasters to compromise the future of our students and to discourage them from pursuing higher education,” he added. (PR)