Press Release
October 10, 2008

SPONSORSHIP SPEECH OF SENATOR ALAN PETER "COMPANERO" S. CAYETANO ON SENATE BILL NO. 1528 ON THE CONVERSION OF MPSC TO MUST, 8 October 2008

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I have the honor to sponsor this afternoon the bill seeking to convert the Mindanao Polytechnic State College (MPSC), Cagayan de Oro City, Province of Misamis Oriental, into a State University, to be known as the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Mr. President, the time is ripe for MPSC to fully assume the status of a state university. The level of maturity, competence and readiness to be a state university is aptly attained by MPSC through its R.I.P.E. functions. R.I.P.E. stands for Research, Instruction, Production and Extension.

Over the past four decades, MPSC's program of research and instruction has developed to that level of quality which is at par with its counterpart universities abroad. At the same time, the college's extension and consultancy services have been providing assistance to industries and other organizations in the region through personnel training and research collaboration activities.

MPSC has been regarded as a university for quite some time now. In fact, a report from a Committee within the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) which is tasked to evaluate the conversion of MPSC into university way back in 2006 said - "MPSC is much better than many institutions that now enjoy University status. It is now functioning like a University in the Philippine setting. Thus, it should be converted to one now".

To date, the College has already attained the highest distinction in the SUC leveling - that of being a Level IV SUC.

MPSC has more than sufficiently complied with the technical requirements for conversion and creation of a state university.

To date, MPSC is the only state college with Center of Development in Mathematics and recognized as delivering institution for Mathematics, Information Technology and Engineering that specializes in applied mathematics. This is under CHED's Higher Education Development Project- Faculty Development Program (HEDP-FDP). Such recognition is based on the premise that "as an HEI, it has established the highest degree or level of standard along the areas of instruction, research and extension".

With regard to the financial and revenue generation capability of the MPSC, even in the midst of declining government support, MPSC has demonstrated prudence and efficiency in its fund management. In 2005, MPSC has almost matched the government subsidy of P76 million with an internally generated income of P70 million with 20% from income-generating projects. The year that followed saw MPSC's internally generated income exceeding government subsidy by 43% in 2006 and by 63% in 2007, both based from 2005's income level.

Mr. President, by enacting this bill, we are sending a strong message to the academic community that we acknowledge the importance of science and technology and research and its contribution to our development efforts. Similarly, it has the effect of encouraging our other higher educational institutions (HEIs) to strive for excellence and put a stronger emphasis on science and technology in their curriculum.

A strong emphasis on science and technology is at the cornerstone of the highly industrialized and progressive economies like Japan, the U.S. and Germany. China, on the other hand, is now reaping the economic benefits of the considerable priority it gave to education and science and technology sectors starting in the 1990s.

Mr. President, if we have to create an environment conducive to industrialization, strengthening the science and technology foundation of our educational institutions should be on top of our educational agenda.

Mr. President, Mindanao has been regarded as a "gateway to opportunity" particularly because of its prime location. The southernmost region of the Philippines and at the heart of the Asia-Pacific region, Mindanao is a viable access point for Philippine and international investors seeking opportunities in agribusiness, industry, and tourism.

Mindanao is the Philippines' secret weapon. Mindanao, our future engine of progress and development, needs to strongly rely on a competent pool of its manpower resources, particularly from the fields of science and technology.

With a strong emphasis of its science and technology curriculum, MPSC is in the position to play a pivotal role in our country's march towards industrialization.

MPSC ardently supports the industrialization plan of the region through its present academic programs. Through industry consultation, these plans are constantly updated to keep pace with the industrial manpower needs. The various industries and projects such as the Laguindingan International Airport, the Mindanao Container Port, and the Cagayan-Iligan Industrial Corridor may eventually be staffed by the technically competent and well-trained graduates of the MUST.

Imbued with a strong passion for academic excellence, MPSC has constantly endeavored to deliver education not just for education's sake but continuously strives to provide high quality education.

Let our support to this measure be a manifestation of the collective will of this members of this Chamber to give due recognition to those who are in constant pursuit of quality education and those who go on an extra mile to be of better service to our nation.

Mr. President, let us help MPSC achieve new heights of accomplishment. Let us empower and nurture our institutions which possess tremendous potentials to contribute more meaningfully towards the socio-economic growth of our nation.

News Latest News Feed