Plan to build new MCC building gets support

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City College (MCC) administrator has expressed support for Mayor-elect Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano’s plan to construct a new building for students.

MCC administrator Dr. Joey Rivamonte told reporters yesterday that they are more than 100% supportive of Ouano’s plan as it will significantly help improve student learning.

“As a college administrator of the Mandaue City College of course I am inclined to students’ welfare and success,” said Rivamonte.

At present, MCC holds classes behind the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex where classrooms are limited, so some classes have to be held in tents.

To recall, during their proclamation rally last April 29, Ouano said that quality education must be accompanied by improved school facilities and vowed to build a dedicated Mandaue City College building with enough classrooms to accommodate students.

Rivamonte said he is thankful Ouano prioritized the construction of the MCC building, especially since it is part of his platform as a mayoral candidate.

“Kung suporta, kung naa pay dako sa 100% ingon ana akong i-support sa iyahang administration kay kahibaw ko nga kaayuhan sa atong mga estudyante,” said Rivamonte.

The MCC administrator also added that he doesn’t mind where the college building will be constructed, as long as it is spacious, accessible, and equipped with more facilities.

In a previous interview, Ouano said he would first assess the feasibility of the site proposed by the current administration.

However, if given the choice, Ouano said he would prefer to build the new college campus in Barangay Paknaan, near the planned site of the Mandaue City Oval, to ensure better accessibility for students.

In response, Rivamonte said that Ouano’s plan is an ideal strategy and setup for both students and teachers.

Currently, MCC has acquired the Certificate of Program Compliance from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), having satisfied the minimum requirements, which primarily include the required number of classrooms and laboratories.

However, Rivamonte said that the number of students increases each year, which poses a challenge for MCC.

“So, need g’yud ta og spacious nga lugar para maka-accommodate ta sa demand sa Mandaue City community,” he said.

Currently, there are 22 classrooms, including laboratories, available for students.

He said that although classrooms are already available, there is still a need for state-of-the-art facilities and comfortable infrastructure.

Rivamonte added that building new infrastructure would greatly contribute to the further development of MCC.

“Kahibaw ko i-improve pa na kay dako kaayo og dreams si mayor Ouano para ni MCC,” he added.

Currently, more than 2,500 students are enrolled in the nine degree programs offered by MCC. Four programs are offered under the School of Education, three under the School of Technology, and two under the School of Business.

Rivamonte also said that in order to restore the free tuition at MCC, they are just waiting for the approved and attested plantilla for the college administrator position from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

He said that this is the only remaining requirement before they can be approved for the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education by CHED.

The Mandaue City Government is currently shouldering the tuition and other expenses of students enrolled at MCC, after the college lost its eligibility for free tuition in 2022.

Rivamonte said they are currently addressing the matter and expressed hope that the mayor-elect will prioritize it once he takes office on July 1.

“Hopefully by July ma-work out na sa new administration,” said Rivamonte.

He said that Ouano could be a big help once he is able to fill the position with a qualified individual, as that would complete the requirements. — (FREEMAN)