CHED-7 assures commitment

CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education in Central Visayas (CHED-7) has clarified that it was not intentional that its head of office failed attend the Provincial Development Council (PDC) full meeting at the Cebu Provincial Capitol last March 3 and 4.

In a statement sent to The Freeman, CHED-7 said the agency remained committed to working with the Cebu Provincial Government, emphasizing its collaborative relationship with the Province of Cebu.

The agency assured that  there was no intention on the non-attendance of the 2nd day of the PDC meeting."

This was after the PDC, chaired by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, censured CHED-7 Director Maura Consolacion Cristobal after failing to attend the two-day meeting.

CHED-7 said it has requested for a special meeting and sent a letter of clarification on the matter on Wednesday, March 5, to affirm the agency s  commitment to fostering a productive relationship with Cebu Province."

On the first day of the meeting, there was a representative from the agency who attended, however, the council requested that Cristobal be present for her to answer some questions and concerns of the local officials, especially the mayors.

The following day, the CHED s regional director was still, prompting the council to pass a motion to censure her.

 (It) would have given her the opportunity to answer some questions coming from a number of our mayors, particularly from Catmon, Alegria, and Argao, whose constituents were unable to enroll for a college course because they had been counting on allowing CHED, allowing these LGUs to conduct classes in temporary facilities while waiting for the buildings that the province of Cebu has committed to build or to construct,  Garcia had said during the meeting.

Because of her absence, the CHED was unable to present its programs, activities and projects (PAPs) before the council.

The PDC s endorsement is crucial for CHED-7 s PAPs to be considered by the National Economic Development Authority. – JG (CEBU NEWS)