THE HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education approved several measures seeking to upgrade certain local educational institutions in the country, through the establishment of new learning centers and courses.

The panel approved House Bill 10023 seeking to establish a Water Resources Center at the Isabela State University and will amend Presidential Decree 1434, which merged the Isabela State College of Agriculture and Cagayan Valley Institute of Technology into a state university now known as the Isabela State University.

Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino ‘Inno’ Dy V said the establishment of a Water Resources Center at the ISU will enable the educational institution to significantly contribute to the country’s water resources management and sustainability efforts.

Dy also said that it will complement the objectives of the Department of Water Resources Bill now pending in the Senate.

“Climate change, population growth, and urbanization continue to put stress on the sustainability of our water resources. Thus, we need to take decisive and innovative steps now to ensure the best future for the next generation of Filipinos,” he added.

The committee also approved House Bill 10092 seeking to convert the Samar National School of Arts and Trade in the municipality of Taft, Eastern Samar into the Eastern Samar Polytechnic Institute.

Eastern Samar Rep. Marcelino Libanan said the bill aims to enhance technical education and vocational training in Eastern Samar and beyond.

Libanan believes the conversion will improve enrolment at the institute with the offering of more programs.

The committee also approved House Bill 9063 seeking to convert the Community College of Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, into a state college to be known as the Gingoog City United State College and appropriating funds therefor.