LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The entire officialdom of Pangasinan, together with the people, witnessed the formal opening of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL) and MOU Signing 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 Governor Ramon V. Guico’s administration, serves as a gift to Pangasinenses.
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 said that he was a bit emotional, citing that 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 will be a key factor in the progress of Binalonan.
After 20 years, from a handful of students, the University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP) in Binalonan now has more than 12,000 students.
As this similar dream kicked off today, the governor was overwhelmed by what had been accomplished.
He congratulated the people behind the creation and establishment of PPC, as he was surprised by the accomplishment and the physical plan, but more than that, it was the creation and the chemistry of the team that made this happen.
The governor also thanked Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), headed by VG Mark Ronald Lambino, for the legislative and funding support so this initiative could be rolled out.
Likewise, he thanked the provincial partners from UP and the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), headed by Camille Joseph Khoury, along with his brother, Patrick Guico, who has the heart to showcase, develop, and forge partnerships.
‘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, the governor stressed 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,“ he said.
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,’ he 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.
In closing, Rovillos said that the vision of the governor is already unfolding before our very eyes, right here, right now.
Part of the launch is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement on strengthening linkages between the PGP, PPC, and CICan.
In his speech, CICan Manager, Partnerships and Knowledge Development, Camille Joseph Khoury, said that it has been a privilege to be part of the opening ceremony and celebration and that she 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 of the PPC CeLL after the cultural performance and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event was graced by Manager, Partnerships, and Knowledge Development Colleges and Institues Canada (CICan) Camille Joseph Khoury and Senior Program Officer, Partnerships and Knowledge Development Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Milica NJegovan, PPC Interim President Prof. Raymundo D. 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 esteemed guests and students (future learners of PPC) (Chona C. Bugayong / PIMRO)
