THE government's thrust on education is on providing quality but affordable education especially to poor but deserving student beneficiaries.
From the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) a handout was given this writer for info dissemination.
The Association of Local Colleges and Universities or simply ALCU is composed of thirty three (33) local colleges and universities of the Philippines. ALCU is working closely with the Senate Committee on Education which is headed by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, in legislations that benefit existing local colleges and universities.
The primer states that the primary thrust of ALCU is to improve the quality of instruction, research and extension of its member schools and to provide value public tertiary education, especially to the poor and disadvantaged youth.
ALCUCOA is the accreditation agency of local government universities and colleges. It was registered with the SEC on December 9, 2003.
ALCUCOA is a founding member of the National Network of Quality Assurance Agencies (NNQAA) registered with the SEC on January 8, 2004 together with AACCUP, the accreditation agency of state universities and colleges.
The areas covered by the accreditation are: employability community service, curriculum and instruction, research faculty, student services, administration, physical plant and facilities, library and laboratory.
To uphold quality higher education, ALCU partners with CHED as part of the technical working group.
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Mabalacat City College which aspires for accreditation this year subscribes to the guidelines of ALCU and the National Network of Quality Assurance Agencies.
Already, the college has been churning out graduates in various disciplines but it needs more equipment, such as IT gadgets and laboratories to make it more competitive amongst high education institutions in the region.
Obviously, the 5 percent share of the development fund of the City Government budget is not enough to defray the cost of improvement of the college, including its present physical facilities.
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The Duterte administration lost one hardworking and well-meaning secretary (Gina Lopez) when the Commission on Appointments rejected her confirmation as head of the DENR.
The feisty lady ran roughshod over the vested mining interests owned by members of the powerful CA. Gina Lopez is a tough act to follow. Sayang.