THE SOUTH Cotabato State College in Surallah, South Cotabato is now recognized as a higher education institution.

Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero De Vera III awarded a plaque of recognition to the college as it acknowledged the upgrading of its status from an agricultural school into a full state college, the first for the province.

CHED initially approved SCSC’s status as a state college last January 22 and declared it compliant with the necessary requirements following a stringent evaluation and validation process.

Edward Lovell Brillantes, SCSC acting president, said it is a ‘dream’ of South Cotabatenos as they are about to start their first school year under the new status.

He attributed the success to the efforts of the Surallah municipal government, the second congressional district office, and the province government of South Cotabato, which worked together with the college administration.

Brillantes claims it will primarily assist indigenous peoples and the ‘less fortunate’ population in the province’s 10 towns and lone metropolis, as well as its surrounding areas.

He added they will now have an opportunity to study in a state college and be assured of getting a free and quality education.

De Vera, meanwhile, has commended the SCSC administration and local stakeholders for pursuing its conversion into a full state college.

“This is for those who made this possible, including the local universities and colleges that complied with the CHED requirements. We claim victory for them,” he said.