Pelaez: Zubiri, Nograles to help in BSU’s woes

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri is set to allocate millions of funds to sustain the operation of Bukidnon State University – External Study Centers (BSU-ESCs) threatened to be closed by the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) central office located in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon provinces.

This was disclosed by Vice Governor Jose Mari Pelaez saying that Zubiri has set at least P3 million in every BSU-ESCs located in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon provinces for its operation for the school year 2018-2019.

Pelaez in an interview with this paper disclosed that Zubiri has allocated enough funds as Ched formally announced the implementation of the 2014 Ched’s Gradual or Outright Phase Out Order of all BSU-ESCs be implemented.

“Duna lay kakuli-an apan nalipay kita kay duna na’y gi-allocate funds para sila maka-sustain sa ilang appropriation. Ibutang ni Senator Zubiri sa karon General Appropriations Act of 2019 nga kahatagan sa igo nga pundo ang BSU-ESCs dinhi sa Misamis Oriental ug Bukidnon,” he said.

He added that he even asked help from Davao City 1st District Rep. Karlo Alexie Nograles, chairman of the House of Congress Committee on Appropriations and Budget.

Ched Resolution No. 097-2018 and Ched Implementing Order dated May 29, declared the following BSU-ESCs can continue to operate in the municipalities and cities of Sugbongcogon, Alubijid, Medina, Talisayan, Salay, and Gingoog City.

However, those who are allowed to operate are told to work out the allocation of P1.5 million for capital outlay, P2.5 million for personnel services and P1.5 million for maintenance and other operating expenses starting next year so that it could transition as a satellite campus.

“Subo gyud kita kaayo kay in the first district there (are) no state universities and colleges that belongs to the government that operates but only in Cagayan de Oro and in the second congressional districts,” Pelaez pointed out.

He said Zubiri has formally endorsed the BSU-ESCs financial problem before the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also urged Nograles to do the same before the House of Representatives.

“Kung dili kini matuman possible nga aduna kita’y dugang nga out of school youth in Misamis Oriental nga mo-abot og more than 4,000 based the recent number of graduates last school semester,” he added.

Pelaez said most of the graduates’ last school semester has already sent notices that they cannot sustain financial obligations for a higher education in Cagayan de Oro and in the second district of Misamis Oriental.

“Most of our municipalities are within the rank of 4th to 5th class municipalities and they cannot sustain to put-up community colleges,” Pelaez said.