Thursday, February 22, 2018
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

House Bill No. 7081 seeking the conversion of Carlos Hilado Memorial State College into a state university, was filed in Congress by three congressman from Negros Occidental on January 31.

The bill introduced by Reps. Greg Gasataya, Alfredo Benitez and Alejandro Mirasol of Bacolod, Neg. Occ. 3rd and 5th Districts, respectively, states that CHMSC in Talisay City, formerly known as Paglaum State College, has three satellite campuses in Brgy. Alijis and Fortune Town, Bacolod City and in Binalbagan.

It said CHMSC is a public, state-owned college oriented towards excellence, competence, and educational leadership in science and technology.

It offers higher technological, professional, and vocational education and training in science, agriculture and industrial fields, as well as short-term or vocational courses to the people of Negros Occidental, the bill said.

As one of only two state colleges in Neg. Occ., CHMSC has also provided quality and relevant education to many Negrenses and has greatly contributed in the improvement of quality of life in the province, it said.

The bill seeks to bring educational opportunities to underprivileged but deserving Neg. Occ. 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, it added.*