By Ricky J. Bautista –– Editor, Samar Chronicle
CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – Addressing a packed audience at yesterday’s (Nov. 7) investiture ceremony of Dr. Nigel L. Cornejo, the first president of Catbalogan City Community College (CCCC), Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog Partylist shared a powerful vision for local education, inspiring students, parents, and community leaders alike.
In his keynote speech, Rep. Acidre emphasized the transformative role CCCC would play for young people in Catbalogan, enabling them to pursue higher education without leaving their hometown.
“Today, we are doing much more than opening a campus; we are fulfilling a vision,” Acidre stated.
“We are making a profound statement—a commitment to our young people and to this community. By establishing Catbalogan City Community College, we are saying to every young person here in Catbalogan: you matter. Your dreams matter, and your future matters.”
He praised the local government, led by Mayor Dexter Uy, for its commitment to education, alongside Dr. Cornejo’s dedication to leading the new institution.
“Mayor Uy and Dr. Cornejo, this is a significant journey you are embarking upon, and we stand with you as you lead with vision, compassion, and a commitment to serve our community,” Acidre said.
Highlighting Tingog’s active role in supporting local colleges, Rep. Acidre referenced House Bill No. 6630, a legislative measure designed to guide the establishment and operation of Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) like CCCC. This bill, he explained, aims to create resilient, financially sustainable educational institutions that are accessible and responsive to local needs.
“With this measure, we are laying the groundwork for more accessible, high-quality education so that young people across the Philippines have more opportunities, regardless of where they are from,” he added.
Rep. Acidre outlined three guiding principles for CCCC’s educational mission—making education inclusive, relevant, and inspirational. Emphasizing inclusivity, he noted that CCCC would offer local youth a chance to succeed without the challenges of relocating to larger cities.
“This institution is built on the idea that every student here has the right to a quality education,” he said, adding that it breaks down the barriers of distance and financial hardship that often prevent students from accessing higher education.
He urged CCCC’s educators to ensure that education remains relevant, addressing the community’s real needs and preparing students for future careers. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of inspiring students to envision themselves as future leaders and change makers within Catbalogan and beyond.
During the ceremony, Rep. Acidre also announced the financial assistance given to more than 400 students enrolled at the CCCC, which immediately started, and extended up to three years.
Aside from Mayor Uy, he also thanked Councilor Stephany Uy Tan, Vice Mayor Coefredo “Tekwa” Uy, other city officials and employees, and CHED regional director Maximo Aljibe, who likewise expressed his gratitude to Congressman Acidre and Rep. Yedda Romualdez.
In closing, Acidre expressed confidence in CCCC’s potential to be a beacon of educational opportunity in Samar, lifting up students, families, and communities.
“Let’s work together to make the dreams of this community a reality,” he concluded, encouraging students to pursue their education with passion and purpose.
The ceremony marked a historic day for Catbalogan City, celebrating the establishment of its first community college—a transformative milestone in the city’s commitment to accessible, quality education. | The Samar Chronicle
