STUDENT leaders from various colleges and universities in Cagayan de Oro raised their concerns during the Pakighinabi Serye of former Mayor Oscar Moreno yesterday, April 12.
The students brought up key issues affecting their academic life, including safety during night classes, access to scholarships, lack of study facilities, and the basic need for daily meals — especially for students from families living below the poverty line.
Rave Arao, president of the student government at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), said many students come from low-income families.
“Kinahanglan sila og financial concern, naay uban musulod nga walay pangkaon,” Arao said.
He shared that while the school has implemented some initiatives, such as providing meals during major exams, he believes the government should step in to offer a more sustainable solution.
“It would be nice kung the city will provide sustainable solution para sa estudyante nga muundang kay wala silay makaon,” he added.
Lance Baguio, president of the Arts and Sciences Student Council at Lourdes College, highlighted the issue of student safety, especially during evening classes and for those living in upland barangays.
“One of the factors ani is police visibility and transportation if you could provide, kay in generality for students mao gyud na sya, our safety,” Baguio said.
In response, Moreno said that if elected again, he would prioritize building pathways for students, particularly in the USTP area, to ensure safer and more accessible routes.
He also committed to improving scholarship programs, aiming to make them available to all qualified students.
Moreno emphasized his commitment to helping the youth, whom he referred to as the future leaders of the next generation.
The Pakighinabi Serye is a platform initiated by Moreno to engage with various sectors of society and listen to their concerns as part of his effort to return to public service.
