Sports complex to house some studes: TCC opening smooth but other woes linger

CEBU, Philippines - Opening of classes at the once controversy-haunted Talisay City College went smooth and without a glitch yesterday, except for the insufficiency of classrooms and chairs.

Days into class opening of the city-run college, its Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Joseph Sol Galleon, the associate dean of Cebu Normal University, as its acting president.

Galleon replaced Commission on Higher Education-7 Director Freddie Bernal after CHED chairperson Patricia Licuanan denied an earlier request that Bernal be holding temporarily the position.

Before he stepped down, Bernal reported an increase in enrolment this year compared to the previous school year.

From an estimated 2,100 last year, the student enrolment this year increased to 2,800.

City Councilor Richard Francis Aznar, chairman of the committee on education, attributed the surge in enrollees to the resolution that the school officials have reached, putting an end to the school's presidency issue.

"Mitaas gyud ang enrollment kay siguro nakahibalo sila nga na-settle na ang issue sa presidency," Aznar said, pointing out that when the issue was yet unsettled, the enrollment did not even come close to 1,500.

Meanwhile, Mayor Johnny de los Reyes said students who cannot be accommodated at TCC will be momentarily housed at the Poblacion Sports Complex.

TCC, a school which first opened its gates to students in 2004, currently hosts 20 classrooms only.

At the sports complex, at least eight divisions have already been constructed inside. The mayor said he already ordered 500 armchairs for the school.

According to its website, college aims to be known nationally and internationally as a center of excellence in teacher education, nursing, industrial technology, hotel restaurant and tourism management and technical vocational programs.

The college is the brainchild of former congressman and mayor Eduardo Gullas. The city ordinance creating it was approved in 2004.

New acting prexy

The TCC Board of Trustees announced a new acting president with the temporary appointment of Galleon.

Bernal temporarily took over the management of TCC last May after the city college was put on the spotlight when there were two personalities claiming to be the legitimate president.

The board supported then acting president Ritchel Bacaltos but Talisay Mayor Johnny De los Reyes appointed Dr. Paulus Mariae Cañete to the post.

Since then, the college had been caught in the middle of a tug of war in its affairs, including its graduation rites and enrollment.

The BOT members, however, decided unanimously to let CHED take over. The body believed the current dilemma can only be resolved if CHED takes over the affairs of the school.

In effect, Bernal sat as officer-in-charge of the college.

But Bernal said he could not continue to sit as the acting president because their main office will not allow him to take the position.

Instead, Bernal temporarily appointed Galleon as officer-in-charge, which the BOT agreed on. (FREEMAN)