The Caloocan City local government led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) campus in Deparo, Caloocan City on Friday, Oct. 20.
Malapitan stressed his excitement for the new PUP campus, saying that it was one of his key projects during his tenure as a congressman.
He also said that this initiative underscores his administration's dedication to enhancing the quality of education in the city.
“Ang PUP-Caloocan ay bunga po ng aking pagod noong congressman pa lamang ako kaya siguro naman ay maiintindihan ng lahat kung bakit proud na proud ako na sa wakas, ito na, uumpisahan na natin ang napakagandang proyekto na ito (The PUP-Caloocan is the result of my efforts when I was still a congressman, so I believe everyone can understand why I am very proud that at last, we are starting this wonderful project),” he said.
"It is our duty to see to it that everyone will have an easy access to education which is a basic right of every citizen. We believe that PUP-Caloocan will be one of our best instruments to fulfill this responsibility," he added.
Malapitan also pointed out the new campus's beneficial impacts on various aspects of the city's development.
“With PUP rising on this very ground, sigurado ako, magsusulputan na ang mga negosyo at magkakaroon na rin ng dagdag kabuhayan ang mga tao sa lugar na ito. Eksakto din na malapit-lapit sa lokasyon na ito ang mga itatayo nating pabahay para sa mga Batang Kankaloo (With PUP rising on this very ground, I am sure that businesses will sprout, and people in this area will have additional livelihood opportunities. It's also fitting that the housing we plan to build for the Batang Kankaloo is close to this location),” Malapitan stated.
Several city officials were also present during the ceremony, including District 1 Representative Oscar "Oca" Malapitan and current PUP President Dr. Manuel Muhi.