A new chapter in accessible education has begun for underprivileged students in Bayambang, Pangasinan, as Bayambang Polytechnic College (BPC) officially broke ground for its new campus on Feb. 6.
The institution, which provides accessible and quality education, is set to expand its reach through the new facility, reinforcing the town’s commitment to empowering marginalized youth.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Barangay Bical Norte, was graced by First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos.
A college for the people
Established on September 5, 2022, BPC was created to address the educational gap in Bayambang, complementing the Pangasinan State University (PSU) Bayambang Campus by catering to students unable to enroll at PSU.
BPC currently offers Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-accredited degree programs in Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness, along with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) skill courses. However, without its own campus, BPC is not yet eligible for CHED’s free tertiary education subsidy, relying solely on LGU funding to sustain its operations.
To address this, LGU Bayambang acquired five to six hectares of land for the new campus.
An investment for the future
The first phase of development, covering 1.6 hectares, has a budget of P300 million and will include a four-story academic building with 32 fully air-conditioned classrooms. The facility is expected to be completed by June 2026, providing students with a modern and permanent learning environment.
For BPC founder Dr. Cezar Quiambao, this marks a significant step toward making quality education truly inclusive and accessible.
Quiambao adds that 905 students from low-income families are enrolled at BPC.
“Currently, BPC holds classes in a mall and at the old central school, but the new campus will finally provide students with a permanent learning space that is conducive to education,” Quiambao said.
BPC President Rafael Saygo meanwhile says that beyond offering tuition-free education, BPC prioritizes flexible class schedules to support students who work to support their families.
“We opened on September 5, 2022 with almost 200. But you know, even if the tuition fee is free, it’s still hard for us because we are catering to the poorest of the poor of Bayambang, which are mostly kargador (market loaders), vendors and farm workers, actually,” Saygo said.
For students like Mark Lawrence Junio, a second-year Entrepreneurship student, the new campus represents hope and progress.
“I’m happy because we won’t have to endure the scorching heat of the sun when transferring from the mall to the old central school anymore. I’m really excited because we will have more classrooms,” he said.
A road to expansion and greater opportunities
Contributing to local and national development, Quiambao said the long-term vision for BPC is to become a leading smart agricultural college in the region.
For now, BPC is exclusive to Bayambang residents, with entrance exams required for admission. However, students who do not qualify for degree programs are given the chance to enroll in TESDA-accredited courses to develop essential skills.
CHED Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III shared that once the campus is completed, BPC may apply to qualify for the government’s free higher education program that will further expand its reach, enabling more underprivileged students to student without tuition and miscellaneous fees.
As the construction began, BPC is set to become a bridge of opportunities for youth not just in Bayambang but also youth from neighboring towns.
Education remains the greatest equalizer in the fight against poverty. With government support and community-driven initiatives, Bayambang’s vision of free, quality education is rapidly becoming a reality—one that will empower generations to come. (CCMT/EMSA, PIA Pangasinan)
