MANDAUE City College (MCC) is facing a classroom and chair shortage after opening the school year with a record 2,700 students, an increase of about 700 enrollees from last year.
In an interview on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the MCC is short by at least 200 chairs.
To address the immediate need, Ouano has reached out to the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry for assistance by donating electric fans and insulation materials to improve classroom conditions.
Ouano noted that some MCC classrooms are so small, they feel like container vans that trap heat and limit ventilation.
“We want to make the students’ learning environment more comfortable so they can focus better on their lessons,” he said, adding that improving ventilation is crucial, especially during hot weather.
To temporarily ease congestion, the City Government has built seven canopy-type classrooms on the MCC grounds.
The makeshift classrooms, equipped with roofing donated by the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, are expected to be operational within the month.
The City hopes these will buy time until larger infrastructure projects can be rolled out by the first quarter of 2026.
The significant increase in the number of students this school year is partly due to endorsements made by a former city councilor, Malcolm Sanchez, which allowed some students who did not pass the entrance examination to be reconsidered for admission.
New MCC
Recognizing that temporary fixes are not enough, Ouano has identified the construction of a new MCC building as one of his administration’s top priorities.
The planned seven-story structure will rise in Norkis Park, Barangay Looc, and will be capable of accommodating 5,000 to 6,000 students. The project carries an estimated budget of P500 million.
Construction is expected to begin next year, 2026, with a completion timeline of up to three years.
To jumpstart the project, Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, the mayor’s sister, has pledged P150 million.
Ouano said he is also seeking financial support from senators and party-list groups to reduce the strain on the City’s local funds.
“As much as possible, if we can get some sponsors or if there are party-lists who can contribute, that would really make us happy,” he said.
Ouano also assured MCC students and staff that the City Government is committed to provide adequate facilities to meet the demands of the growing population.
OIC College Administrator Laurencio Andrino Jr. acknowledged the strain that comes with the rapid rise in enrollment but said the institution remains determined to cope.
“It’s a big challenge for us, but we continue to stand strong because we have the mayor’s constant support,” Andrino said. / CAV