BACOLOD City District Representative Greg Gasataya is conducting a feasibility study on the conversion of Sum-ag National High School into Sum-ag Polytechnic College.
Gasataya said on Friday, June 22, he already discussed with Rodney Carmona, chieftain of Barangay Sum-ag and the Sum-ag National High School principal Warlito Rosareal on the possible conversion of Sum-ag National High School into Sum-ag Polytechnic College.
He said the Sum-ag National High School, which is about five hectares, is offering Grade 7 to 12 and other special science class with complete equipment and facilities.
"So the school principal and the barangay officials discussed with me for the possible conversion of the school into a polytechnic college and it's a good plan," he added.
Gasataya noted the proposal aims to offer the courses of agriculture and education with an emphasis on technical vocational (techvoc) courses, among others.
"We are studying the viability and feasibility, if we will be able to see to it that it's double legally through a law that will be approved by the Congress then, we will file a bill on it," Gasataya said.
He said the conversion of the Sum-ag National High School into a polytechnic college will bring a good effect in the city.
"So far we don't have a polytechnic college here or government institution in Bacolod or even in the neighboring towns and cities that offers agriculture course," he added.
Gasataya pointed out that in terms of land area, Sum-ag National High School has enough space with more classrooms and complete facilities. They have a total of 4,000 students.
Gasataya, along with Representatives Alfredo Benitez and Alejano Mirasol of third and fifth districts, respectively, had earlier passed House Bill No. 7081 seeking the conversion of Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) into a state university.
The bill seeks to bring educational opportunities to underprivileged but deserving Negros Occidental students who are unable to pay for quality but expensive education and costs of studying in private institutions in the province, neighboring provinces, and the country's capital city by converting CHMSC including all its satellite campuses into a state university.
