Camalig: The newly opened Camalig Community College (CComC) is providing 120 pioneer students with free tuition and access to higher education in their hometown, while preparing them for opportunities in the construction and development sectors. CComC, the first collegial institution established in Camalig, Albay, formally opened on Monday at the Camalig Training Center in Barangay Salugan, initially offering the Bachelor of Engineering Technology major in Construction Engineering Technology.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PHP65 million community college is financed through the Local Government Support Fund. Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. highlighted that the college would help ease the financial burden on families whose children need to travel to Legazpi City or other areas to pursue higher education. 'This is very important to us because one of the problems for mothers is where they will send their children to study. If they study in Legazpi, there are huge expenses for transportation, food, and housing or boarding,' Baldo said in an interview. He emphasized that these expenses could prevent some students from finishing their education. 'But here at the community college, many young people will be given the opportunity to study, finish their education, and help their families,' he added.
Baldo noted that the initial course offering was based partly on the results of a survey conducted among senior high school students in the municipality. The program is designed to meet the manpower needs of construction and development projects in the area. 'Every development project needs people in construction, not only construction workers but also those who can move into higher positions in construction development,' he said. The mayor also shared that the local government plans to gradually expand the college's course offerings to meet the community's needs. 'We want to add more courses every year,' Baldo stated, acknowledging the collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to expedite the college's application.
He expressed gratitude to the Ako Bicol Party-list and other individuals and agencies involved in establishing the college, including Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who assisted in following up on the CHED application. Engr. Janet Naag, supervising education program specialist of CHED Bicol, remarked on the collective effort to make quality higher education accessible. 'This day represents the determination of many people who believe that quality higher education should not be a distant dream for our young people,' Naag said at the opening ceremony. She also encouraged students, teachers, and staff to uphold values such as unity, excellence, and integrity as they embark on the college's first school year.
For 20-year-old Hart Lomibao of Barangay Anoling, the opening of the college means he can pursue his dream of completing tertiary education without having to travel far from home. 'This is important to me and to us because the school is just nearby, and I can continue pursuing my dream,' Lomibao said. As one of the 120 pioneer students enrolled in the construction engineering technology program, Lomibao noted that the free tuition and the school's proximity would also help his family save on transportation expenses. The opening was marked by a blessing of the college's facilities and the formal start of classes, attended by local government officials, CHED representatives, and other government officials.
