TACLOBAN CITY — Thirty students from Matuguinao, Samar, have gained access to college education in their hometown following the opening of extension classes by Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) on Oct. 9 under a partnership aimed at expanding educational opportunities in geographically isolated communities.
The program, held at the Matuguinao Cultural Center, is part of Project S.A.M.A.R. (Smart Access and Mobile Academic Resources), a collaborative initiative of NwSSU, the Samar provincial government and the municipal government of Matuguinao.
The extension classes offer a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Horticulture, allowing students from the geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) to pursue a college degree without having to leave their municipality.
Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, who spearheaded Project S.A.M.A.R., said the initiative forms part of the provincial government’s Sirak Program, which seeks to bring college education closer to communities, including Matuguinao.
Tan encouraged the 30 pioneering students to value the opportunity, noting that some of their parents had not been able to complete a college education.
“Do not waste this opportunity because sometimes an opportunity only knocks once,” Tan told the students.
Matuguinao Mayor Aran Boller also urged the students to take their studies seriously, expressing hope that the availability of college classes in the municipality would help advance higher education and open more opportunities for local residents.
NwSSU president Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran welcomed the partnership, saying the university was proud and grateful to be part of the initiative, which brings higher education within reach of more residents of Matuguinao.
The opening program featured the first flag-raising ceremony, the formal declaration of the opening of classes and the Three Pillars of Hope Book Cover Relay Ceremony, symbolizing welcome, commitment and inspiration for the pioneering students.
A university orientation was also conducted at the Matuguinao Learning Center, led by Dr. Jessie Sabijon, dean of the NwSSU College of Agriculture and Forestry at its San Jorge campus and lead project implementer.
The orientation familiarized students with academic policies, faculty members, admission and scholarship guidelines, and available student services.
With the theme “Education for All. No Samarnon Left Behind,” Project S.A.M.A.R. underscores the partners’ commitment to reducing barriers to higher education and extending learning opportunities to underserved communities in the province.
The opening of the Matuguinao extension classes marks a step toward making college education more accessible to young Samarnons who might otherwise face financial and logistical difficulties pursuing a degree outside their hometown.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
