MCC applies for Institutional Recognition from CHED

CEBU, Philippines — In order to regain access for free education to students through national government funding, the Mandaue City College (MCC) is now on its status for securing the Institutional Recognition (IR) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

MCC's acquisition of a Certificate of Institutional Recognition (IR) from CHED confirmed its compliance with tertiary education standards.

According to Mandaue City Councilor Malcolm Sanchez, chairman of the committee on education, the MCC should be institutionally recognized in order to provide free tuition to college students through CHED’s United Student Financial Assistance System of Tertiary Education (UniFAST).

Currently, the city government of Mandaue is still the one that's been allocating the budget to MCC for the student's tuition, salaries of teachers and other operating expenses.

“We are still gathering the necessary requirements and atong city government of Mandaue mao pay nigasto sa tanang expenses sa tuition fees sa students at Mandaue City College,” said Sanchez.

Last year, the CHED issued the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) to MCC’s all programs already. COPC is also an important certification in the process of getting back the UniFAST.

When asked about the timeline for filing the IR, Sanchez explained that their target submission is by the end of February since CHED has given an extension for MCC to complete the required documents.

One of the primary documents for the process is the appointment of College Administrator Dr. Joey Rivamonte by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

“The moment nga mahatag to sa Civil Service plus other pertinent documents nga needed for Institutional Recognition, then ato nang e-submit para institutionally recognized na ta by the Higher Education,” Sanchez added.

Additionally, building permits and city ordinances that will officially recognize MCC as a City Government-established institution are also the other requirements for IR.

In terms of significant improvements to the city college, Sanchez shared that it has undergone improvements on establishments, facilities and equipment compared to previous years.

Currently, MCC is utilizing the Mandaue City Sports Complex for most of its classrooms.

Sanchez said the city government has already allocated a 2,000-square-meter area in the old Mandaue City Jail. However, the relocation to the New City Jail in Barangay Basak has yet to be completed.

“Ang city government of Mandaue has already provided budget for the building…It cannot be done overnight but for as long as ang atong vision moving forward is to provide quality education sa estudyante ma materialize nana,” Sanchez assured. — /JG (FREEMAN)