The House of Representatives Committee on Higher and Technical Education, headed by its chairman Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, approved the establishment of two new state university campuses during its committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 12.
Majority of members present gave their approval for the establishment of a Mindanao State University (MSU) campus in Munai, Lanao del Norte and the Catanduanes State University Agro-Industrial Economic and Processing Zone in Virac, Catanduanes. The new MSU campus will be known as the MSU-Munai Campus and will receive funds under House Bill 9428 proposed by Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte.
The Catanduanes State University Main and Panganiban campuses, and other university landholdings, will now be called Catanduanes State University Agro-Industrial Economic and Processing Zone.
Funds will be given to the said campus under HB 10175 filed by Rep.Hector Sanchez, of the lone district of Catanduanes.
The Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) Bagac Extension Campus in Bagac, Bataan, on the other hand, was formally converted into a regular campus of the Bataan Peninsula State University, to be known as the Bataan Peninsula State University-Bagac Campus after getting the support of the committee members.
It will also have an allocation as provided under HB 9924 endorsed by Bataan Rep. Joet Garcia.
The committee also gave its nod to HB 10170 renaming the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in Camarines Sur to Gov. Luis R. Villafuerte University of Agriculture.
HB 10170, which was sponsored by Villafuerte, however, got an objection from Bordado due to the issue of 'politics'. Bordado also cited the need for consultation with stakeholders of the said state university.
Villafuerte, however, contradicted Bordado after saying that this is not about politicking but a recognition of the contributions made by his late father, who is also a former Camarines Sur governor and congressman.
Meanwhile, the committee also accepted House Resolution 2189 introduced by Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman and Congresswoman Sangcopan.
The said resolution calls for commemorating the 60th founding anniversary of MSU and commending MSU for its invaluable contribution to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and its people.
Also appearing as resource persons in the meeting were MSU System President Habib Macaayong, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) deputy executive director Atty. Lily Freida Macabangun-Milla, BPSU president Gregorio Rodis, CHED regional directors Maria Teresita Macanas Semana and Freddie Bernal, CBSUA president Alberto Naperi, and Catanduanes State University president Dr. Patrick Alain Azanza. (Melvin Sarangay)