Mayor eyes MMSU extension in Nueva Era

Nueva Era Mayor Aldrin Garvida

By Dominic B. dela Cruz. Staff Reporter

NUEVA ERA, Ilocos Norte—Nueva Era Mayor Aldrin Garvida has confirmed the plan to establish an extension campus of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Nueva Era, which could provide nearby college opportunities for students who cannot afford to pursue four-year degrees in Laoag City or Batac.

Garvida said the proposed extension is intended primarily to help Grade 12 graduates from Nueva Era and surrounding communities who want to continue their education but face financial difficulties, particularly the cost of transportation, boarding and other expenses associated with studying outside the municipality.

However, he said the proposal is still pending before the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which must assess the project’s requirements and feasibility, including the projected number of enrollees and the courses that can be sustainably offered.

“Maawatan tay met iti CHED ken MMSU ta sayang met no mangirugi da a saan a ma-sustain nga isu ti iw-iwasan iti CHED a mapasamak,” Garvida said.

The mayor said the municipal government has already started site development as its counterpart for the proposed project following the approval of the proposal by the MMSU Board of Regents.

Garvida said the extension would not only serve students from Nueva Era but could also benefit those from neighboring municipalities and communities in Abra.

Among the possible programs being considered are Forestry, Agroforestry and Industrial Technology, including Food Technology, Electrical Technology and Computer Technology.

Garvida said the proposed offerings would also give students the option of pursuing shorter technical and technology-related courses.

“Ikkan tayo iti gundaway dagitay estudyante a mangayat iti pang two-year courses ta saan amin a learners a graduate iti K12 ket kaya na iti four-year degree course. Dakkel a kompetisyon iti pagubraan ket kaasi met dagiti awan diploma na,” he said.

Some students from Nueva Era have already enrolled in similar courses at MMSU in Batac, with the municipal government providing assistance for their boarding expenses. Once the proposal receives CHED approval, these students could temporarily use vacant classrooms at Nueva Era National High School while the proposed MMSU facilities are being constructed.

Garvida said the municipal government sees education as one of the most effective ways to help address poverty, which is why it continues to prioritize its “Adal Program” and scholarship initiatives.

The mayor also said the LGU assists its scholars in finding employment after graduation and, when their qualifications and courses match available positions, may hire qualified graduates for work in the municipal government.

He expressed hope that the proposed MMSU extension would eventually provide more accessible and affordable higher education opportunities while helping young people in Nueva Era and nearby communities acquire skills and qualifications needed for employment and livelihood.