CALAUAN, Laguna (PIA) – Calauan’s first school offering free college courses has started classes for the school year 2023-2024 hoping that no youth in this town will be left behind without a college diploma.

The Calauan Community College opened its two-storey, four-classroom building on August 29 to students enrolled in its two course-offering namely Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Midwifery.

During the school’s inauguration on August 23, Calauan Mayor Roseller Caratihan cited his commitment to providing an alternative tertiary education for the town’s youth who cannot afford the cost of college education. 

“The Calauan Community College is my dream, promise, and fulfillment. When it comes to education, Calauan is where you want to study because whether you're rich or poor, everyone is equal and can enter," the mayor said.

Caratihan added plans are in the works to offer courses in law and medicine in the future, emphasizing equal opportunity for all residents to access education.

"When the time comes for us to become a university, we will also offer courses in law and medicine. This means that whether you're poor or rich, you can study for free in Calauan… everyone is equal. That is our first goal for our town," he added.

For 28 year-old Calauan resident Bealie Cane, who is enrolled in Public Administration, the institution provides an opportunity for her to pursue higher education as a solo parent. 

"It offers a great opportunity for someone like me who (a solo parent) couldn't study immediately due to financial difficulties. And you can't enroll immediately if your grades are low. The Calauan Community College will help build myself, and the course I am taking will be a lifelong support for me as I pursue my dreams," she stated.

Cane added: "The LGU of Calauan is amazing because where else can you find this? A college you can enter for free, you can't really say you're a scholar but it's kind of like that because you're not paying anything. They are the ones who approach you to offer help, all you have to do is grab the assistance they give."

Town councilor Lito Manalo also commended the enrolled students and encouraged them to study diligently. He emphasized the local government's aspiration for all constituents to complete their studies and earn their degrees for a better life.

"I am grateful that many have enrolled. I hope you study well because we want everyone to graduate in our town. Education is the path to progress," Manalo said.

As of August 30, enrolled students have reached 308 with 236 students enlisted in Public Administration and 72 students in Midwifery. School officials said enrollment will continue until September 8, 2023. (AM/PIA-4A)