SCSIT students Guv to meet CHED

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is set to meet on Monday the officials of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 7 to discuss the case of the students of Madridejos town reportedly dropped by the school for joining the recent Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals last month.

Madridejos Mayor Salvador dela Fuente sought the assistance of Garcia yesterday at the Capitol on the matter.

Dela Fuente said the problem was already endorsed to CHED but they are waiting for the reply.

The Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology reportedly did not allow the students to go back to school for violating the school’s regulations for participating in the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo without the school’s approval.

SCSIT chairman of the board and president Doroteo Salazar clarified that the students were not dropped but were just subjected to disciplinary actions for being absent for one month without submitting an excuse letter.

Salazar earlier said the school did not authorize the students to join the festival because the local government of Madridejos did not ask permission from the school administration.

But dela Fuente denied Salazar’s allegation saying that the letter was addressed to the school administrator, Bisaya Tayo.

The SCSIT management is set to file a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against Madridejos town officials and employees for letting the 26 students participate in the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo without the school’s approval.

“Iya na katungod. Andam ang LGU pagtubag unsa man iya allegations,” dela Fuente said. (It’s his right. The LGU is ready to answer his allegations.)

Salazar also alleged that dela Fuente even threatened to close down the school if the students will not be allowed to join the festival which the latter denied issuing such threat.

Dela Fuente yesterday said that he is thankful for having the SCSIT in Madridejos, which helps educating their children.

He said that the SCSIT doesn’t even have a mayor’s permit to operate but still he is thankful to Salazar.

Salazar had served as mayor and vice mayor in Madridejos.

In 2010 elections, Salazar challenged the reelection bid of dela Fuente but lost.

The 26 students said there’s no reason for them to go back to the school after what happened.

What they want, they said, is to have their transcript of records and honorable dismissal certificate released so they can transfer to another school. — /MBG (FREEMAN)