CEBU, Philippines - San Remigio Mayor-elect Mariano Martinez is determined to pursue the establishment of a Cebu Technological University campus in the town, a move that was started by his opponent outgoing Mayor Jay Olivar.
Martinez, who visited the office of acting Governor Agnes Magpale yesterday, said that to have a CTU campus in their town was among his promises during the campaign in the last election.
Last year, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the office of Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, CTU and the Municipality of San Remigio represented by Olivar for the construction of a school building in the said town.
Under the MOU, the CTU undertakes to provide the required administrative support, supervision, direction and management for the overall operation of the extension campus.
The office of Salimbangon pledges to fund the construction of the school building by allocating an amount from his Priority Development Assistance Fund while the local government of San Remigio will identify and provide the land upon which the extension campus will be established.
Martinez said that what was being offered by the local government was the sports complex in a one-hectare municipal lot in Barangay Poblacion where the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority training center is also located.
“Three-in-one in one hectare, di mahimo,†Martinez said.
Martinez is eyeing the three-hectare municipal property in Barangay Tambongon.
While CTU only needs at least one hectare, Martinez said he will donate even more than that.
Martinez said that while it is quite far from Barangay Poblacion it is also closer to constituents in other barangays.
The nearest CTU campuses from San Remigio are located in the towns of Daanbantayan, Carmen and Tuburan.
There is also a Cebu Normal University campus in Medellin town while private universities are also located in nearby Bogo City.
Classes at CTU campus in San Remigio were supposed to open last year with a portion of the sports complex being used for classrooms.
“I think the university thinks wa mosubay sa agreement,†Martinez said.
Salimbangon earlier recognized the need to provide support to the local government of San Remigio to attain its objective of providing accessible quality education to its people.
Even if they are not of the same political party, Martinez said Salimbangon is welcome should he extend the same support he assured Olivar.
“I will always welcome asa gikan ang tabang,†Martinez added. —/BRP (FREEMAN)