CentCom, school inks MOA for soldiers’ education

CEBU, Philippines - The Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines signed a memorandum of agreement yesterday with Southwestern University in the former’s aim to provide higher education for members of the military force in region-7.

The signing of the MOA was led by SWU president Dr. Noe Quiñanola and CentCom commander Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar in Camp Lapu-Lapu headquarters.

 The MOA was signed in the presence of SWU Vice Chairman of Board of Directors George Charles Aznar, SWU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jose Gatino Nacario, CentCom Deputy Commander for Operations Brig. Gen. Vic Castro, CentCom Chief of Unified Command Staff Col. Samuel Gotico and Commodore Lyndon Ruiz of the Philippine Navy.

Under the agreement, the university shall provide a program of instruction in all fields of specialization in all levels of education of both tertiary and graduate studies, granting a 40 percent tuition fee discount to qualified military personnel.

 “The SECOND PARTY (CentCom) requests to the FIRST PARTY (SWU) that a 40 % discount on tuition fee only be granted to the possible enrollees,” part of the MOA reads.

 It noted that qualified candidates are to be chosen by CentCom officers from the military personnel who should diligently attend the program of instruction provided by the school throughout the duration of training or teaching.

 Quiñanola shared that the military asked for their assistance and that they were more than willing to partner with CentCom since the university is ready to support programs, especially with regards to attaining higher education.

 “Southwestern University would always consider the privilege (for the citizens) to also let these people achieve their dreams in pursuing higher education,” he said, while citing that the agreement was drafted in 2014.

 The university forged an agreement with Police Regional Office-7 in December in which dependents of police personnel in Cebu City – who got slain or disabled following their duties –received a full scholarship grant from the university.

 “Sa PRO-7, the jest of the agreement was to give scholarship for dependents of active personnel who are killed or disabled in action,” he recalled.

 For the CentCom partnership, Quiñanola said it is a distinct set of agreement.

 “While in service, they (military men) can pursue higher education like masters or doctoral degrees, dependents could also pursue education, they only have to qualify with the given criteria,” he explained.

CentCom chief Vivar said they wanted to integrate the institution’s program since education is one of the most important mechanisms in their system.

“Ito na ibinagay na 40 percent na -discount is one of the biggest discounts that we received, this is even extended to all of our units sa field, and kasama ang dependents, napakalaki nito,” he said.

 The 16th Central Command chief said they would definitely grab the opportunity especially for their division personnel considering the high rate of tuition fees nowadays.

 “We will make sure that we could give an opportunity to make sure our soldiers and their dependents will have a very good foundation on education especially on this level for our officers, (such as) masteral and doctorate,” he said.

 He said all army personnel of Central Visayas within their area of responsibility could have a chance to avail the program – this includes the members of 8th infantry division and 3rd infantry division of the Philippine Army, 2nd tactical Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force, and the Naval Forces Central of the Philippine Navy.  (FREEMAN)