No classes yet as barangay tanods guard ‘campus’ site

Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa of Cebu City’s south district, seen here with the tarpaulin announcing enrollment for the Cebu Technological University (CTU) extension campus in barangay Bonbon in this June 13, 2015 file photo, says classes will be held later this week. (CDN PHOTO)

Only security guards were present yesterday at the sports complex at the center of a political tug-of-war over a proposed extension campus of Cebu Technological University (CTU) in the mountain barangay of Bonbon, Cebu City.

No classes were held as announced.

Bonbon barangay chairman Alexander Ibarrita said there were no teachers and faculty at the site.

READ: No classes yet as barangay tanods guard ‘campus’ site | No CTU extension campus opening; classes eyed this week

He said 10 students went to the sports complex near the barangay hall thinking that classes would be held there yesterday.

“I’ve ordered my barangay tanods and barangay staff to monitor the area and report to me if there are any activities there,” Ibarrita said.

Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa of Cebu City’s south district, who has secured national funds for an extension campus but without coordinating with CTU officials, postponed a press conference that was scheduled yesterday.

Requirements
“For now, we’re helping the students secure their medical certificates, CBC and X-ray exams to complete the enrollment requirements of CTU main. Hopefully the classes can start within the week.

Missed class days will be made up during Saturdays,” he said in a text message.

Abellanosa said the students are also busy securing the requirements for their scholarships from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

CTU officials earlier said there is no enrollment going on yet for the mountain campus or approval from the school’s Board of Regents.

CTU chief administrative officer for administration Jerlito Letrondo, said in a press conference at City Hall last week, that applications of mountain residents were still being evaluated and that the BOR has yet to meet in July about the proposed mountain college extension.

He said there is also no Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the school and Abellanosa who facilitated a P3 million budget in the General Appropriations Act this year.

Interviews
CTU officials conducted preliminary admission tests for 90 students and less than half have initially passed.

They still have to undergo interviews and their grades have to be checked.

Cebu Daily News tried to interview Letrondo for updates on the issue yesterday but he was not available.

Authorization
Lawyer Marvey Arnoco, CTU admin officer, who was with Letrondo during the press conference, said only Letrondo was authorized to speak for the school.

“Unfortunately, I’m not authorized to speak. But after the Board of Regents meeting, we can announce the updates. But right now I can’t speak, we have to consider all matters and evaluate,” Arnoco said.

Abellanosa said the P3 million budget for CTU under the GAA, which he lobbied for, includes the opening of eight teaching positions for the extension classes.

At the height of the controversy last week, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama asked “Who’s fooling the people?” after CTU officials disowned Congressman Abellanosa’s tarp banners and announcements that enrollment was going on for the start of classes in the “mountain college” on June 22.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labellasaid yesterday that public officials should follow proper procedures. “If there is a need for a BOR authorization, permit from CHED and other government agencies, this should be complied with. Bottomline is we have to observe rules,” Labella said.