The Provincial Government of Pampanga, under Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, is moving to establish the Pampanga Community College to provide more opportunities for senior high school graduates and Alternative Learning System (ALS) passers who are unable to pursue higher education.
Pineda said the initiative will be undertaken in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), following a coordination meeting with Department of Education (DepEd) officials at the Capitol on Monday, September 15.
DepEd Region 3 Director Ronnie Mallari noted that the community college will initially offer technical-vocational programs that match both local and global labor demands. Among the first courses are Airconditioning and Refrigeration, Housekeeping, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Caregiving, Automotive, and Barista Training.
The program is designed to help displaced senior high school graduates and ALS passers gain employable skills within two years. A ladderized four-year program is also being planned, enabling students to pursue higher education while earning income through work experience.
The college will be temporarily housed at the former San Roque Rehabilitation Center in Mexico, Pampanga, while a permanent campus is being eyed in Lubao.
“With this initiative, we are not only opening doors to education but also providing our youth with practical skills and opportunities that will prepare them for a better future,” Governor Pineda said.
