The final chapter

The recognition of the Mandaue City College (MCC) by CHED-7 which administers/regulates higher education institutions (HEI), both public and private under RA 7722, its legitimacy is beyond question. Also, by virtue of City Ordinance No. 10-2010-568 passed unanimously by the City Council on October 7, 2010, the frustration of waiting has been replaced with fulfillment.

The revision of Ordinance (No. 10-2005-324A) which is fraught with vagueness, the Council of the previous admin didn't take action, despite its necessity. Ignoring it completely, in spite of requests of the Board of Trustees (BOT) through Mayor Jonas C. Cortes who, until now, chairs the BOT, said City Council adamantly ignored the revision.

Now headed by VM Glenn O. Bercede as presiding officer of the City Council and, the councilors voting unanimously, the Revised Ordinance (Ord. 10-2010-568) has been confirmed by law (RA 7722). In effect, the revision makes MCC as the only bonafide and legitimate HEI pursuant to RA 7722 and its implementing rules, and CHED's memorandum-circulars.

As crafted by Councilor-lawyer Nenita C. Layese, the revised ordinance has also recognized the MCC under Dr. Susana Cabahug as OIC, and chaired by Mayor Jonas C. Cortes. Previously, CHED had also confirmed the authority of the MCC, with 4 of its offered programs, that is, manifesting its recognition of MCC in Mandaue City.

The main features of Ordinance 10-2010-568 are: the retention of MCC's set up with the City Mayor heading the BOT as Chairman; another is the MCC's existing membership of the BOT; and in effect repealing Section 4, reducing the position of the City Mayor as member, not chairman; and, foremost, is that the City Mayor was to vie for chairmanship in the election of BOT which was constituted to terminate the BOT chairmanship of the City Mayor, and to insure the other group's advantage.

Likewise, Section 18 of the revised ordinance (Ord. 10-2010-568), provides that: "The lawful acts executed since June 2007 by the Board, the Caretaker/Officer-in-Charge and staff and faculty of the Mandaue City College pursuant to existing (original) Ordinance No. 10-2005-324A are hereby confirmed and ratified".

Pursuant to the Revised Ordinance which caps its legality, the students and their parents should be guided thereby. They are expected to enroll at the MCC chaired by the City Mayor. This is to obviate the risk of disapproval of whatever units and/or diplomas earned which is not recognized by CHED-7 regional director. The tuition fees already paid by them are lost without the chance of "payback" or reimbursement.

With CHED's recognition and authority to run an HEI, like MCC, as against any pretending institution, the choice isn't hard to make. Definitely, with MCC as the lone legitimate HEI in Mandaue City, common sense dictates that the students with their parents have to pick the legitimate HEI. Common sense might turn out "uncommon" though.

 Thus, it's only proper that by virtue of the revised ordinance, the MCC administered by Dr. Cabahug is the bonafide institution within CHED's authority and recognition. And so, parents have to muster decisiveness in picking out the right one. Harken to the truth and, not the untruth based on the facts and circumstances.

Incidentally, Revised Ordinance 10-2010-568 has now become the Revised Charter of the Mandaue City College in accordance with law, ordinance and the Memo-Circulars of CHED. Reliance on the ALCU alone is on doubtful legality as CHED alone exercises authority and jurisdiction over HEI.

This revised ordinance takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

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