MABALACAT, Pampanga – “We have finally harvested what we have planted.”
Thus said Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales as he graced the commencement exercises of the first batch of graduates at the Mabalacat College last week.
Morales was responsible for the establishment of the first-ever local government run-college in Pampanga four years ago. It started in Barangay Atlu Bola and is now permanently based in Barangay Dolores.
“But I want to stress that I didn’t establish college all by myself. I had much support from others, even the ordinary municipal workers contributed to its success,” said Morales.
Morales disclosed thata total of 27 students had graduated from the Mabalacat College: 15 with Bachelor of Elementary Education degree; nine with Bachelor of Secondary Education; and three with Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
The mayor said that some 300 students are candidates for graduation neat year.
He added that “not just students from Mabalacat but nearby towns are taking up courses at Mabalacat College because of quality education and affordable fees.”
Morales said the Mabalacat College aims to provide universal, quality and affordable education. Most of the beneficiaries, he added, are from poor families who are unable to send their children to college due to the high cost of education in private schools.
The Mabalacat College officially started its classes on June 9, 2008 with an initial 35 enrollees in the Institute of Teacher Education, and 27 in the College of Information Technology.
“The students are now increasing each year and we have to add more classrooms,” said Morales.
The first batch of graduates expressed their gratitude to Morales for the creation of the Mabalacat College.
Morales said “I always believe that education will eradicate poverty and alleviate the lives of residents.”
“Pangarap po naming mahihirap na makatapossapag-aaral ito po’y tinupad ni Mayor Boking,” said Janine Perez, now with a BS Education degree .
“Dahil sa libreng edukasyon, aming munting pangarap ay natupad,” said Maureen Canlas, who finished BS Secondary Education.
Information Technology graduate Melody Capilialso expressed her thanks to the local executive: “Salamat po Mayor Boking, ito po ang magiging susi namin para sa magandang bukas.”
Morales said that more classrooms will be constructed at the Mabalacat College as the town awaits its conversion into a component city.
