LEYTE, Leyte (PIA) — A new campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has opened in Barangay Calaguise, here offering a chance for higher education to 150 deserving students from the third congressional district of Leyte and nearby areas.
The PUP-Leyte Campus was officially inaugurated on September 5, 2024.
The event was attended by Atty. Pascualito B. Gatan, PUP Vice-President for Campuses, who highlighted that the new campus aims to provide a supportive learning environment for local students.
“Our goal is to help young people from Leyte improve their lives and their families’ lives,” Gatan said.
The third district of Leyte includes the municipalities of Leyte, Tabango, Calubian, San Isidro, and Villaba. Most of these areas are classified as fourth-income class, with Villaba being a third-class municipality. The PUP-Leyte Campus is the first PUP campus in the Visayas region, designed to bring college education to areas with limited access.
This school year, the new campus will offer three courses: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSENTREP), and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing Management (BSBA-MM).
Former Leyte Third District Representative Vicente Sofronio E. Veloso III, who helped make the campus possible through Republic Act 11786, led the opening ceremony.
He was joined by Leyte Third District Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting, local mayors, and representatives from various government offices, including those of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre. Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways-Leyte Third Engineering District, led by Engr. Cesar Makabenta, were also present.
Veloso said it was his long-time dream to establish a tertiary school in his district to meet the educational needs of local residents and those in nearby areas, including the Province of Biliran.
Engr. Makabenta announced that the campus building, which cost P48 million, includes 15 classrooms, a library, a computer lab, and administrative offices.
He added that the third floor will temporarily serve as a dormitory until a separate dormitory building is completed. Other facilities are funded by PUP.
Meanwhile, Board Member Veloso-Kabigting expressed hope that the new campus will improve education quality and boost local economic activity.
“Education is key to positive change. The PUP-Leyte Campus will help drive economic growth by creating new business opportunities in the community,” she said.
Incoming freshman Jonel De la Cruz, one of the 150 students starting classes on September 9, shared his excitement about the opportunity.
“I’m thrilled that students like me, who come from poor backgrounds, will have a chance to go to college for free,” De la Cruz said.
In addition to free tuition, students will also receive free dormitory accommodation. Rep. Veloso-Tuazon’s office is also working on providing free transportation for all students.
The opening of the PUP-Leyte Campus represents a significant step in expanding access to higher education in underserved areas of Leyte. (PIA-8 with GTT/PIA-Leyte)
