‘A VERY GOOD ORDINANCE’: Measure pushes establishing Cebu City College

Local

FOR many Cebuano students forced to give up college due to cost or distance, a proposed city-run institution could soon offer a second chance.

This after a proposed ordinance seeking to establish the Cebu City College (CCC) was formally referred to multiple committees during the City Council’s regular session on Tuesday, May 5.

Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, the measure’s proponent, moved to refer the ordinance to the committees on laws and styling, budget and finance, and education for further deliberation.

The motion was duly seconded by Councilor Dave Tumulak.

During the session, Councilor Alvin Arcilla expressed support for the proposal but raised concerns on its financial viability, particularly whether the assigned committees could produce a clear cost estimate.

“This is a very good ordinance, but can the committees come up with costing? That’s only my query. It will serve as a guide to the council on what to invest,” Arcilla said.

Councilor Harry Eran then proposed expanding the referral to include the committee on scholarship.

He cited the need to assess funding support mechanisms for students.

The council subsequently amended Alcover’s motion to include the additional committee, with the proponent accepting the suggestion.

The proposed ordinance seeks to establish the Cebu City College as a local higher education institution under the city government, with satellite campuses planned for both the north and south districts.

The measure cites limited access to tertiary education in geographically dispersed and underserved communities, particularly in upland and coastal barangays, as a key justification for the college’s creation.

It also underscores that many qualified students are unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints and lack of accessible institutions.

Under the proposal, the main campus will be located at the South Road Properties, while satellite campuses are planned in Barangay Guba for the north district and Barangay Babag for the south district.

Final site selection will still be subject to feasibility studies and government approval.

Moreover, the ordinance outlines the creation of a Board of Trustees that will govern the college, chaired by the Cebu City mayor and composed of representatives from the education sector, faculty, students, alumni, and relevant government agencies.

The college will offer a range of degree and non-degree programs, including courses in business administration, nursing, education, and information technology, designed to align with industry needs and local development priorities.

It also emphasizes inclusivity, with provisions for scholarships, financial assistance, and student support services aimed at underprivileged but deserving residents.

Initial and continuing funding for the Cebu City College will be sourced from the city’s Special Education Fund, supplemented by national government support, grants, and donations.

The ordinance also provides for income-generating projects and partnerships to sustain operations, alongside strict adherence to government auditing and accounting rules.

Meanwhile, the proposed measure is expected to undergo committee-level discussions, where key issues such as funding requirements, program viability, and implementation mechanisms will be further refined before it is returned to the council for deliberation and possible approval.(TGP)