Mayor Ouano: MCC faces lack of classrooms, facilities

CEBU, Philippines — Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano admitted that the Mandaue City College (MCC) is struggling to accommodate its growing student population, citing a serious lack of classrooms and facilities.

“Klaro gyud kaayo, kuwang gyud kaayo sila’g classroom,” Ouano told reporters yesterday following his visit at the MCC to assess its ongoing operation.

“Diba kita man gyud mo tanan na daghan gyud to’g tolda didto,” he added, pointing out the temporary tents set up inside the campus.

He said that over 2,200 students are currently enrolled at MCC, far exceeding its current capacity.

Ouano said MCC accepts at least 500 new students each year to match the number of graduates, but with the increasing interest, the limited space cannot meet the demand due to limited facilities.

However, Ouano vowed to find a “best option” to address the issue.

Meanwhile, the mayor questioned why endorsement letters are required when admissions should be based on ranking systems.

The Freeman earlier reported that endorsement letters, granted by the previous administration, would help those who did not pass the entrance exam secure a guarantee letter to be admitted at MCC.

Ouano assured that under his administration, the use of endorsement letters in admissions will be scrapped, shifting to a merit-based ranking system.

“Sa atong administration, dili ta kinahanglan nga naay endorsement, pareho ra tanan diri, basing on what they get during the exam, kung taas ilang grado mao man to sila unahon, basing on ranking and basing on interview sa administrative council,” he added.

As a temporary measure, MCC officials suggested setting up a canopy over the parking lot to create more covered space for classes.

Ouano said that this is only temporary, noting the plan to construct a new campus at the Norkis Park site.

While looking into long-term solutions, including the inclusion of the Cebu Technological University as an option for Mandauehanons, the mayor said partnering with private schools is also being considered.

The construction of the new MCC is expected to begin next year, pending sufficient funding and ensuring correct documents.

Meanwhile, following his visit at the Mandaue City Hospital (MCH) yesterday, Ouano found out about the infectious medical waste piled up behind the hospital after being left uncollected for more than a year.

He noted that these are not just those found at the MCH, but some are also found at the North Bus Terminal in Barangay Subangdaku.

The delay in collection is reportedly due to changes of the new designated hauler that still have to secure licenses in order to operate.

Ouano assured to prioritize the follow-up of the provider, which he assigned to his team.

“Mao na among ge pa priority pa follow up nato sa atong team kung unsa na ni sa provider, kung kanus-a gyud ni ma pick up ning mga medical waste diri sa city hospital and ngadto north bus,” said Ouano.

Dr. Ligaya Lakambini, MCH administrator, said that the medical wastes are being treated before disposal.

Meanwhile, Ouano said that one of his administration’s priority projects is the modernization of MCH.

“One of our priority projects is for the modernization of our city hospital,” said Ouano. “And then dugay dugay pa man na di man dayun na ma dali dali dayun sunod buwan naa dayun na."

Ouano added that he planned to buy additional ambulance for the MCH. — CNU Interns Giane Kate Pilapil, Gwyneth Lynn Geonzon, Shyrielle Lariosa, Raphael Veloso, and Reynan Monleon/JG (FREEMAN)