TACLOBAN CITY — Students in Balangiga and neighboring towns now have greater access to higher education with the formal blessing and turnover of a new academic building at the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Balangiga campus on February 28.
The facility marks the third major expansion aimed at bringing quality tertiary education closer to local communities.
The project, realized through a three-year collaboration among national agencies, local government units, and education leaders, addresses the challenges faced by families whose children previously had to travel long distances or incur significant expenses to pursue college studies.
In his remarks, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre highlighted that the building represents more than just infrastructure. “Today, we turn over more than a building. We are entrusting a future to the community,” he said, emphasizing the shared goal of making higher education both accessible and affordable for local youth.
The Balangiga campus allows students to pursue state university programs while remaining close to their families, reducing financial and logistical barriers. Officials noted that the expansion will benefit not only Balangiga but also surrounding municipalities.
ESSU president Andres Pagatpatan, along with Commission on Higher Education representatives including Commissioner Desiderio “Bong” Apag III and Regional Director Maximo Aljibe, joined local leaders in celebrating the campus expansion as a milestone in community-based, inclusive education.
Local government support was led by Mayor Dana de Lira and the Sangguniang Bayan, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Eastern Samar Engineering District oversaw construction. National lawmakers, including former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez, were acknowledged for helping advance the project.
Acidre emphasized that the initiative reflects collective effort. “Development rarely moves forward through individual effort. It moves when people trust each other enough to work together,” he said.
While the new building strengthens the campus’ physical capacity, officials stressed that sustained investment in faculty, academic programs, scholarships, and student services will be key to long-term success. Acidre also called on students, educators, and residents to share responsibility for nurturing the institution and translating education into community service.
The ESSU Balangiga campus is expected to cultivate future professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and public service.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
