BACOLOD CITY – The city government of Cadiz in Negros Occidental is planning to build a city college soon following the increase in the number of students who applied through the Cadiz City Education Assistance Program (CCEAP).

MORE than 5,000 students applied for the Cadiz City Education Assistance Program (CCEAP) at the Cadiz Arena in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental over the weekend. (Photo courtesy of Bilis Cadiz)
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said the city government allocates P16 million per semester or P32 million per year just for the CCEAP. Thus, he said that such allocation is more than enough to run a city or community college.
More than 5,000 students have applied for the scholarship for the second semester of school year 2023-2024 during the distribution of application forms at the Cadiz Arena from February 17 and 18.
With the bulk of student applicants, the local government is now in the stage of finalizing the plan for the establishment of a city college.
Escalante said that the 23-year-old CCEAP is not just for the brightest or academically excellent but also for average students.
“For as long as the city government can afford, we will not be choosy," Escalante said, as he noted that the city’s scholarship program is not just for the poor, deserving, or brightest college students.
Escalante said the application is open to bonafide Cadiz residents, old and new scholars, and even walk-in college students.
The educational assistance is inspired from the life stories of famous taipans like John Gokongwei, Lucio Tan, and Ramon Ang.
"Academically speaking, these renowned taipans were just average students during their college days. "But, undoubtedly, they excelled in business,” Escalante said.
Thus, he said, he does not want to be choosy nor be biased against average students.
“Even the mediocre ones are very much welcome. Who knows? Some Cadiz students may be mediocre now, but tomorrow, they're also 'the best' in their chosen endeavors,” the mayor said.
Final results will be announced before the second semester starts next week.