LAPU-LAPU City College (LLCC) officially launched Academic Year 2025–2026 through its Balik Eskwela program, highlighting the start of a new academic journey on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the LLCC Ground and Multipurpose building.
Dr. Robert Pabillaran, vice president for Academics, said students are entering not just classrooms, but a nurturing community grounded in the values of Love, Leadership, Courage, and Competence.
This year, LLCC saw a significant rise in enrollment, reaching 3,355 students, up by around 500 to 600 compared to last year.
To meet this demand, the college opened additional sections and increased class size limits to 55 students in some cases.
In an interview, freshman student in the Bachelor of Education Major in Mathematics Laureto Honeylyn, said they chose LLCC for the free tuition and the good quality of education, encouraged by her friends and teachers.
"Nalipay sab ko kay welcoming man [ang LLCC], kay nakameet ko og mga bag-o nga kaila," she said.
(I’m also happy because LLCC is welcoming -- I got to meet new friends.)
Meanwhile, fourth year BSTM Christine Joy Arturias believes that falling back into the same routine and learning new knowledge is a reminder for her to continue pursuing her dreams.
"There’s something fulfilling about being part of a learning environment again, seeing familiar faces, meeting new people, and setting new goals. Balik Eskwela reminds me that every school year is an opportunity to improve, to stay focused on my dreams, and to make the most out of my time at LLCC," she said.
However, despite the promising start, the BS Education-Mathematics was reported to have a low graduate turnout, with only eight graduates last year.
"Unta makapasar mi tanan (I hope all of us pass)," Honeylyn said. "Di mi manghawa sa Mathematics bisan gamay lang ang ni graduate (We won’t give up on Mathematics even if only a few graduate)."
Despite the overall growth, the Mathematics major under the College of Education continues to face low enrollment.
Pabillaran attributed this to the program’s complexity and emphasized the importance of strengthening foundational math skills early in students’ education.
LLCC is also preparing to expand its academic offerings. Plans include launching a Bachelor in Physical Education and potentially new programs in Engineering, Electronics Communication, and Psychology as part of its five-year Institutional Development Plan.
“We're not just opening another school year we're beginning a meaningful journey toward learning, transformation, and personal growth,” said Pabillaran.
He added that while face-to-face remains the best mode of learning, the college remains ready to shift to flexible modalities to ensure education continues despite natural disruptions. (Antonette Caren Arrabis, CNU intern/Yvon Maratas, Benedicto College intern/Dane Riechel Oja, VSU intern)