DPWH turns over P41.3 million Lapu-Lapu City College bldg

CEBU, Philippines — The new Lapu-Lapu City College (LLCC) administration building in Barangay Gun-ob was turned over yesterday to the school management.

The turnover of the P41.3 million school building was led by the Department of Public Works and Highways Cebu 6th District Engineering and Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Paz Radaza.

The three-story school building houses the administrative offices, and the library space.

It was lobbied by Radaza to DPWH-7.

“The thirst of our youth for quality and free tertiary education was our driving force to establish the Lapu-Lapu City College. With this blessing, we may be more inspired to better our best for our youth.

This is what we, Oponganons, deserve. The best, and nothing less,” said Radaza in her speech during the event.

LLCC president Eduardo Ompad, in a speech, thanked Radaza for “her generosity and support for education.”

He said he envisioned the school to become a model local college in the region.

“A school of choice, so that when you hear its name it will be comparable to that of the University of Makati or of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – both well-known universities established by local government units in the National Capital Region.”

“That dream is enshrined in our vision that states: LLCC shall be known as a model institution of excellent academic, technological, service and entrepreneurial programs that prepare students for lifelong learning,” he said.

He said the management reached out to individuals, organizations and national agencies to fund the construction of buildings in the campus.

Ongoing constructions include the IT building, and dormitory buildings, among others for the first phase.

 “As a newly established college, even if we are confronted with a lot of limitations in terms of the provision of classroom, and laboratory facilities and equipment, we stand steadfast as we hold on to the vision we hold dear."

"These limitations nonetheless, give us the opportunity to find, connect and establish partnership with individuals, organizations, and national agencies who have genuine concerns for education,” he said.

Cash aid

Moreover, Radaza said LLCC students are receiving financial assistance from the Commission on Higher Education, which disbursed over P26 million for academic years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.

This includes an allowance of P20,000 per student per semester under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program, which so far has 113 scholars

Radaza said 1,045 scholars in the first semester, and 967 scholars in the second semester benefited the Free Higher Education Program for the academic year 2019-2020.

The program covers the tuition, miscellaneous and other fees, totaling to more than P14 million.

Other programs are the Tulong Dulong Program-TES and CHED Regular Student Financial Assistance which have 253 and 276 scholars, respectively, in the said college. Over P8 million is allotted for the programs.

The college was founded during the administration of then Lapu-Lapu City mayor and congressman Arturo “Boy” Radaza. — KQD (FREEMAN)