CALOOCAN City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan has announced that entrance examination fees at the University of Caloocan City (UCC) will now be free for qualified residents and local government employees, following the signing of Ordinance No. 1209, s. 2026.

Malapitan said the measure is intended to further expand access to higher education by removing additional financial barriers for aspiring college students in the city.

“Upang mas marami pang Batang Kankaloo ang mabigyan ng pagkakataon na makapag-aral at makapag-tapos nang libre sa University of Caloocan City, nilagdaan na po natin ang Ordinance No. 1209, s. 2026 na layong gawing libre na rin ang entrance examination fee,” the mayor said.

Under the ordinance, all Caloocan City residents may take the UCC entrance examination without paying any fee, regardless of academic standing or socio-economic background.

The benefit also covers permanent employees of the city government and their legitimate children, broadening the reach of the program to families of public servants.

Each qualified applicant will be given up to two opportunities to take the entrance examination free of charge.

Malapitan thanked the Sangguniang Panlungsod for supporting and prioritizing the measure, saying it reflects the city government’s continuing commitment to making education more accessible to its constituents.

He added that the initiative is part of the local government’s broader effort to support students and reduce the cost of pursuing college education.

“Sa paglalayong bigyan ng pagkakataon ang bawat kabataan, patuloy tayong hahanap ng paraan upang tiyakin na abot-kaya ang pangarap ng bawat Batang Kankaloo,” Malapitan said.

The ordinance is expected to benefit thousands of incoming college students and further strengthen the city’s education assistance programs.