TACLOBAN CITY, July 24 – Student leaders, campus journalists, and academic officials from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Region 8 convened today at Saint Paul School of Professional Studies (SPSPS) for a regional consultation on pressing concerns in the education sector.
The Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) was represented by Ms. Lei Rea Salde, Editor-in-Chief of The Reach Out Publication, and Ms. Rowena Meredores Donayre, President of the College Student Body Organization. The dialogue was intended to be headlined by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, principal sponsor and co-author of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (R.A. 10931). However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, the senator’s flight was cancelled.
Despite his absence, the consultation proceeded with Senator Aquino’s representative, Mr. Marco Javelosa, who relayed the senator’s message and facilitated the open forum. He welcomed feedback from student and school representatives, encouraging them to voice their concerns regarding higher education policies, government funding, student welfare, and the development of learning competencies among Filipino youth.
Notable academic figures in attendance included Dr. Victor Cañezo of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Dr. Dennis C. De Paz of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Dr. Gil Nicetas B. Villarimo of Leyte Normal University (LNU), Dr. Redentor S. Palencia of Samar State University (SSU), Ms. Eunice T. Tudtud-Pagatpat of SPSPS, Dr. Rustico Balderian of Colegio de Sta. Lourdes of Leyte Foundation Inc., and Ms. Raquel Cecilia S. Chua of ACLC College Tacloban.
The event served as a vital platform for students and educators to engage in dialogue, advocate for reforms, and strengthen their collaborative efforts in pursuit of quality tertiary education in the region.