Abuyog Community College Triumphantly Restores Free Higher Education Program
by Jonalyn Eman
Abuyog, Leyte – Abuyog Community College (ACC) has officially secured its re-inclusion in the Free Higher Education (FHE) program under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, a victory that brings hope and renewed opportunities for students across the region.
After a brief suspension due to compliance issues with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last 2022.
ACC have worked tirelessly to meet the required standards and improve its operations. The re-inclusion of the college in the FHE program was officially announced by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Lemuel Gin K. Traya, last Tuesday, September 10 marking a significant achievement for the institution.
Meeting Compliance Standards
According to College President, Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana, the college prioritized addressing the concerns raised by CHED, which initially caused their suspension from the program. “We did everything we could to comply with the necessary requirements. This is not just a win for the institution, but more so for our students who can now continue their education without worrying about tuition fees,” Dr. Montallana said.
The re-inclusion means that ACC students are once again eligible to benefit from free tuition and other fees, making quality education more accessible to many families in the town of Abuyog and its neighboring areas.
A Boon for Students and Families
For students like Justine Millan, a third-year BSEd Social Studies student, the news was life-changing. “We were really worried when the school was excluded from the program. My family couldn’t afford tuition, and I thought I might have to stop studying. But now that we’re back in the program, I feel so relieved and grateful,” he shared.
Parents and local stakeholders echoed similar sentiments, praising the efforts of the school administration in resolving the issues that led to their temporary suspension.
Economic Impact
With ACC’s reinstatement, the college expects an influx of new enrollees, especially from underprivileged families. The impact extends beyond the college and its students; it is seen as a boost to the local economy as families will have more disposable income and students will have better employment prospects after graduation.
Hon. Lemuel Gin K. Traya congratulated ACC on their accomplishment and highlighted the importance of education in uplifting the community. “This is a monumental step for Abuyog. Access to free higher education gives our young people a brighter future and strengthens our town’s development,” he stated.
Looking Forward
With its restored status, ACC is now focused on enhancing the quality of education it provides. Dr. Montallana emphasized that the college will not stop at compliance. “We will continue to improve our facilities, faculty, and programs to ensure that our students receive the best education possible. We want ACC to be a leading community college in the region.”
The re-inclusion of ACC in the FHE program is not only a testament to the school’s commitment to quality education but also a reflection of its resilience and dedication to the welfare of its students. The administration’s swift and effective action has restored faith in the institution, paving the way for a brighter future for the entire community.
As ACC moves forward, students and parents alike are hopeful that the institution will remain a steadfast provider of accessible, quality education, ensuring that no student is left behind.
This marks an important milestone in the journey of Abuyog Community College, reaffirming its place as a pillar of education in the region.