Imus Polytechnic Institute: A gift to Cavite’s youth

MANILA, Philippines — It was a festive morning for the province of Imus in Cavite last December 6 as the Imus Polytechnic Institute, which is designed to be a Center of Excellence for technical learning and skills development, was unveiled.

The joint project of the local government of Imus, the Huanggang Polytechnic College in China and Liwayway Marketing, the company behind iconic snacks brand Oishi, will benefit the youth of Imus and the whole of Cavite.

Liwayway Marketing spearheaded the construction of the new three-storey building at an estimated cost of P60 million. The building was turned over to the local government five months ago.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua attended the inauguration of the new building along with a delegation from Huanggang Polytechnic College in China.

 “About five months ago, Liwayway Marketing Corp. turned over this school building spearheaded by the local government of Imus, headed by Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi. The construction of Imus Polytechnic Institute was made possible in cooperation with Huanggang Polytechnic College in China led by its president Juang Anxin and Mayor Chen Shaomin,” said Liwayway chairman and special envoy to China Carlos Chan.

 “Today is another significant event for both the people of Imus, Cavite and Huanggang, China as we expect both parties to engage in a constructive dialogue, sharing of experiences on how best we can develop and strengthen technical learning and creative skills of students of Imus, Cavite and Huanggang, China,” Chan added.

 Chan is optimistic that the technological courses to be offered by the Imus Polytechnic Institute will go a long way in helping Filipino cities.

 Under the arrangement, the local government of Imus will run the facility while the Huanggang Polytechnic College in China will provide technical assistance.

Imus City Mayor Emmanuel Leonardo Maliksi said the idea was conceptualized during a visit to the Huanggang Polytechnic College in China. He recalled saying during the visit that it would be nice to have a similar school in Imus.

In response, Chan, the country’s special envoy to China, said achieving that dream is possible. With the help of Liwayway, the dream became a reality.

He said, “Education, they, say is everybody’s right. Every person should be granted access to quality and inclusive education regardless of age, race religion or ethnicity.”

“Again, we are grateful for this opportunity as the continuous collaboration and cooperations between our countries through Imus Polytechnic Institute and Huanggang Polytechnic College can definitely help in enhancing and fostering better relations between China and the Philippines,” he added.

Courses to be offered include electronics, electrical, technical drafting and mechatronics.

Indeed, with the project, the future looks brighter for the youth of Cavite.