LINGAYEN, Pangasinan —The entire officialdom of Pangasinan and their constituents witnessed the formal opening of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL) and the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) held on February 14 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center Complex here.
PPC, a landmark project under the administration of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, serves as a gift to Pangasinenses.
NEW COLLEGE. Guests of honor for the launching of the Center for
the Lifelong Learning (CELL) of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College held at the
Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center Complex in Lingayen pose for posterity
before cutting the ribbon at the entrance of the CELL. (From left to right) Colleges
and Institutes Canada (CICan) Head Camille Joseph Khoury, Pangasinan
Governor Mark Lambino, Governor Ramon V. Guico III, PPC First President Raymundo
D. Rovillos and Mrs. Khoury. (Caption by Mortz C. Ortigoza) |
Envisioned to make “Pangasinan a
premier province of great opportunities, sustained socio-economic growth, and a
place where one can experience life at its best,” the provincial government saw
the establishment of the PPC as a key factor in the province’s development and
progress.
Gov. Guico told the
attendees that he was emotional because he started his political career by establishing an educational
institution in his hometown during the term of his father, now Cong. Ramon
‘Monching’ Guico Jr., based on his belief that this would be a key factor in the
progress of Binalonan.
From a handful of students, the
University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP) in Binalonan crowed more than 12,000
students now after 20 years of operation.
He congratulated the people behind
the creation and establishment of PPC because he was surprised by its accomplishment
and physical plan and the chemistry of the team that made it happen.
The governor lauded too the
provincial legislature headed by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino for the
legislative and funding support for the project.
He thanked too the provincial partners
from the University of the Philippines and the Colleges and Institutes Canada
(CICan) headed by Camille Joseph Khoury, along with his brother, Patrick
Guico, who have the heart to showcase, develop, and forge the partnerships for
the materialization of the PPC.
‘We have to acknowledge that the institution will be greater than all of
us. We built a clock that tells time, and we are only a part of that whole
element. That is the vision. The clock is still ticking, telling time and
reminding all of us to be on time. We are good only as our term, but this one
will outlast all of us here,’ the Governor added.
Wrapping up his speech, he exhorted
the students and the incoming enrollees of the PPC the importance of education.
“Mag-aral
kayong mabuti. Ito ang pinaka-importanteng pamana ng ating lalawigan sa ating
mga kabataan. And, once you make it, be somebody who will create an impact on
your family, but most especially on the community and collectively on our
nation.”
Chairman of the Committee on
Education of the Provincial Board and Vice Governor Lambino cited the event as
a significant milestone and journey towards fostering excellence in education
and professional development.
He added that the event is a
celebration of the spirit of collaboration between the PPC and CICan.
“Let us see this as an opportunity
to learn from each other, inspire one another, and create corporate solutions
that enrich the academic landscape and benefit communities all around the
globe,’ Lambino added.
Meanwhile, Prof. Raymundo D.
Rovillos, Ph.D., Interim PPC President, said that the institution is the
realization of a dream of every Pangasinense that is championed by Gov. Guico
III.
Rovillos finally said that
the vision of the governor is “already
unfolding before our very eyes, right here, right now”.
Part of the launch was the signing
of the Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement on strengthening linkages
between the PGP, PPC, and CICan.
In his speech, CICan Manager and Partnerships and Knowledge Development Head Khoury said that it has been a privileged to be part of the opening ceremony and celebration and that he is excited for
the partnership ahead.
CICan is Canada’s largest secondary
school association with 140 polytechnics, colleges, training institutions, and
universities.
CICan’s core mandate is dedicated
to advancing education globally, finding partners that have similar missions
and values, and moving in the same direction.
‘The
opening embodies a lot of hope. We can imagine the incredible inspiration that
will be given to Filipino men and women of all ages as they come here for
training, to improve themselves, to improve their skills, and to contribute to
their communities. Our partnership here is the result of a lot of work for many
people. I want to say that I was moved by the governor’s speech. The vision of
the governor to plan for the community is always with a heart. We are honored
to be part of that,’ Khoury said.
Guests were provided with the opportunity
for a walkthrough inside the PPC CeLL after the cultural performance and ribbon-cutting
ceremony.
The event was graced by Khoury, Senior Program Officer, Partnerships and Knowledge
Development Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Milica NJegovan, Rovillos, Heads of the Higher Education
Institutions, CHED-Regional Director Christine Ferrer, President of World Citi
Colleges (WCC) Patrick Guico, Chancellors of the different UP Campuses, University
Presidents, Local Chief Executives from various municipalities and cities,
Heads of National Agencies, Industry Partners, Department Heads headed by
Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague, Chiefs of Hospital and Consultants,
Dr. Perla Legaspi, other luminaries, guests and students (future learners of
PPC) (Chona C. Bugayong / PIMRO)
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