MCC asked to increase slots for students

CEBU, Philippines — With more than 500 students hoping to be admitted, the Mandaue City Government has asked the administration of the Mandaue City College (MCC) not to be too strict with the admission process so more students can avail of the free education offered.

Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede said he already spoke with MCC Administrator Joey Rivamonte and appealed for the college to increase the number of available slots, as many students are eager to enroll.

Bercede said he told the college administrator that if MCC believes it can handle the capacity, they should not be too strict with applicants who didn’t pass especially those who only fell short by a small margin, so they can still avail of the opportunity.

"Ang akong gusto ana naay libre nga edukasyon sa Mandaue," said Bercede.

Bercede said it’s possible the number of slots will increase, as this is what they requested from MCC and the City Treasurer’s Office.

The mayor said he requested that more students be accommodated, as many are eager to avail of free education.

Additionally, with the incoming administration, Bercede expressed hope that this concern will also be addressed by allocating funds to hire more teaching staff and build additional classrooms --an issue that MCC initially faced.

Bercede said that while he wants to increase the number of students who can be admitted, he also understands that the current room capacity must be taken into consideration.

He expressed hope that the incoming administration, to be led by Mayor-elect Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, will genuinely prioritize education, particularly by constructing facilities for MCC.

"Nagtuo ko kay ang bag-ong molingkod nga sitting mayor unya usa sa priorities niya ang hospital, education, maapil na ana," Bercede said.

Bercede added that he will fully support Ouano’s goal to construct a building dedicated to MCC students, especially that he will now be serving as vice mayor.

In response, MCC administrator Dr. Joey Rivamonte said there’s no problem with Bercede’s suggestion and that they acknowledge it, noting that the mayor serves as MCC Board of Trustees chairman.

Rivamonte said that MCC will comply and will wait for instructions of the local chief executive. However, as the college head, he said they will carefully weigh what is best.

Rivamonte noted that with Bercede’s request, the school can accommodate up to 700 students for the current school capacity, but this would require holding classes from Monday to Sunday, from 7:30 A.M. to 9 P.M., to manage both student numbers and classroom availability.

"Among request, mo-additional ta'g manpower ilang i-provide, plus ang facilities mo-additional ta'g classroom, ila ‘tang tagaan og revenue para ma cater gihapon nato ang need at the same time, as to ratio kung pila'y equivalent sa number of students, equivalent to the classrooms, at the same time sa number of faculty," said Rivamonte.

He said that the school adheres to the city government's directives, especially concerning the number of students to be accommodated.

He added that should the city government continue to request an increase in student slots, additional classrooms and faculty personnel will be necessary to ensure adequate space for the students.

Rivamonte also told the aspiring MCC students and their parents that, hopefully, with the incoming administration of Mayor-elect Ouano, their request will be approved, as the incoming mayor, serving as chairman of the MCC Board of Trustees, has the authority to grant it starting July 1.

“Kami igo ra g’yud mi mo-follow,” said Rivamonte. — Giane Kate Pilapil, CNU intern (FREEMAN)