BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA)-- Call for unity for the conversion of the lone state college in the province into a university reverberated as the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) celebrated its 31st Charter Anniversary recently.

Local officials declared their support   for university hood   in accord with the anniversary theme, ‘Pursuing the Dream: Fortifying Efforts for MPSPC’s transformation to a State University.’

Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. challenged everyone in the institution to actively support and continue realizing the aspirations of becoming a full-pledged state university.  This   can only be attained if everyone is willing, serious and steadfast to achieve the goal, he stressed.   

Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan assured that the provincial government is solidly behind the aspirations of MPSPC becoming a university. He hopes that the occasion will rekindle the spirit to continue efforts towards the collective vision of a “university”.  

Director Manuel B. Golez III  of the  Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration at the Office of the President, the inspirational speaker during the program on January 17, 2023 held in Eyeb Gym, is optimistic that MPSPC will finally become a university with its capable personnel and the support of all stakeholders.

“I trust, that with very capable and hardworking officials, faculty, and staff, and with the guidance and wisdom from our leaders in government, along with the unwavering support of our community stakeholders, and by the grace of God, we may be able to finally achieve university status,” Golez said.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who was the guest of honor and speaker, stressed in his AVP message that the lifeblood that will sustain the educational institution is everyone’s commitment to quality education and the development of communities apart from unity and a shared development vision.

 “Thus, I implore all of you, MPSPC students, faculty, and administration to respond to the call, to act as agents, as catalysts for change for your respective communities and to utilize the education you have gained from this institution to improve your lives and positively impact the lives of others,” he emphasized.

Tolentino also advised the students take courage and   stand out amidst the growing culture of apathy among young people.  “Embrace the opportunity to serve your country through the gift of knowledge you have received as you continue to pursue the vision of transforming the MPSPC into a globally competitive university,” he said.  

Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero de Vera also extended  his message of support to MPSPC on its anniversary as he encouraged  everyone  to look  back at the isntitution's humble beginning as a community college,  to a state college in 1992 and on its way to becoming a university, and recognize those who have laid the foundation and those that continue to work for the realization of  the dream for  access to  education.     

Joining in the celebration are Mayors Jerome B. Tudlong of Bontoc, Bryne O. Bacwaden of Besao, Constito S. Masweng of Tadian Mayor and Marcial Lawilao Jr of Sabangan; Department of Agriculture Regional Director Cameron P. Odsey, various provincial directors, national line agencies, college officials, local media, MPSPC faculty members and students. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR)