Operation of Madridejos school illegal - says PB

Provincial Board Member Victor Maambong said the operation of Madridejos Community College without accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education is illegal.

"DepEd and CHED are mandated to supervise. They should take action because maayo ma'g vocational schools where diplomas do not have probative of educational value," Maambong said.

Even with the absence of a PB approval on the proposed Madridejos municipal ordinance creating the community college, the town government went on with its operations last month.

Since the operation was deemed illegal, it would be unlawful for the municipal government to pay for the salaries of school personnel and finance its operations.

Board Member Juan Bolo, chair of the PB committee on education, said he has yet to come up with a report on the municipal ordinance.

Nevertheless, he said the school's operation could be justified under the general welfare clause of the Local Government Code, which does not lay down strict policies on the issue.

Bolo said the community college has its board of regents that can decide on the tuition fees in order to generate funds for its operations.

When sought for comment, Madridejos town Mayor Letty Mancio explained that they already got a CHED accreditation and other documents needed for the school to legally operate.

She said the municipal council had already approved the ordinance on the financial aspect of the school's operations, adding that in fact, they have already disbursed two payrolls for its personnel.

Last month, the municipal council submitted the ordinance on the school's operation to the PB for study and review. Upon receipt, the provincial secretary then referred it to the committee on laws and ordinances chaired by Board Member Antonio Almirante Jr.

Although he has yet to render a report to the board on the matter, Almirante said the establishment of the community college would be of big help to the residents in the town. - Cristina C. Birondo