SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano pledged his full support to Palawan State University and called on all state universities and colleges to develop comprehensive master plans to better meet the needs of students in the country.

A chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, Cayetano was asked about the growing concerns regarding the increasing number of students at PSU and the challenges this poses to the university’s facilities.

“Walang dahilan na hindi maaayos sa tamang pag-uusap kung pondo lang ang problema,” he said.

But he also emphasized the importance of a well-laid master plan for SUCs which will guide not only PSU but other universities in identifying areas that require attention, especially in infrastructure and resources.

“Kung facilities [ang kailangan], hindi naman parang monggo iyon na ‘pag itinanim mo, a few days, ay tumutubo na… That’s why the opportunity to speak to them personally at isa sa ibinibilin ko talaga sa aking mga representative [na uma-attend ng meetings], gusto kong makita y’ung master plan kasi mahirap talaga na tumutulong tayo dahil lang kung sino ang malakas… Dapat talaga may master plan,” he said.

The senator also expressed optimism about the progress of the country’s educational institutions, noting that while challenges remain, the development of SUCs is on an upward trajectory.

“Paganda nang paganda naman ang ating sistema at state universities,” he said.

Cayetano highlighted a unique opportunity for the SUCs, noting that both the President and Congress are showing strong support for education, while his role as committee chair on higher education in the Senate further enhances this opportunity.

To support the province’s premier state university, Cayetano reiterated his commitment to working closely with PSU officials to address their concerns.

“I look forward to meeting the officers of Palawan State University and I’ll do what I can,” he said.

“Throughout history, I’ve been very close to the different officials dito sa Palawan so there’s no reason why I shouldn’t support, 100 percent, the Palawan State University,” he added.