On Talisay City college mess CHED: School power brawl must be settled

CEBU, Philippines -  The Commission on Higher Education-7 urged Talisay City Mayor Johnny V. de los Reyes and the Talisay City College management to settle the school leadership dilemma before classes start this June.

CHED supervising education program specialist Dr. Josefino Ronquillo said De los Reyes should help in solving the problem because it might create academic issues for students.

"Dapat i-settle gyod na ug dapat dili apilon ang pamolitika," Ronquillo said, adding that the community is now confused as to who is really leading the school.

Ronquillo said if the school and the government are really thinking of the students' welfare and that of the community, the issue must be settled this month or else, CHED will execute an "ultimatum."

Ronquillo said personal interest of people involved is obvious.

"Worst scenario is, manghawa ang mga faculty members tungod sa kalibog or unsa, and if the passing percentage in the board exams would be affected, then anha nami mosulod. Pwede namo ma-revoke ilang authority kay affected na ang academics sa students," he said.

For now, he said CHED acknowledges Ritchel Bacaltos as TCC head since the TCC Board of Trustees has not yet passed a resolution saying that a new management is holding the school.

"As long as dili pa sila magkasinabot, ang karaan gihapon among respetuan," he said.

It was earlier reported that the TCC Board of Trustees backed Bacaltos' appointment while Dr. Paulus Mariae Cañete was appointed by the mayor. Since then, the situation has never been peaceful.

"If concerned gyod sila sa welfare sa katawhan, then they have to understand and respect each other kon kinsa gyod ang nag-manage," said Ronquillo.

"Dapat maghuwat sila sa ilang panahon, they should respect because they are all professionals," he added. He said the TCC registrar has been submitting records to CHED.

When asked for his message to the students, he said "Continue your study, continue your review and pass your board exam para ma-professional namo."  (FREEMAN)