THE HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education has approved for plenary consideration a bill seeking to upgrade the Matarinao School of Fisheries (MASOF) into a full-fledged polytechnic institute in Eastern Samar.

Under House Bill No. 6785, the institution will be renamed the Eastern Samar Polytechnic Institute of Fisheries and Technology (ESPIFT), expanding its mandate beyond technical training.

The measure was principally authored by Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, with support from Rep. Marcelino Libanan.

Gonzales welcomed the committee’s approval, calling it a significant step toward enhancing fisheries education and harnessing the province’s rich marine resources.

“The establishment of ESPIFT will equip our people with advanced skills and modern knowledge in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine sciences. This is vital in creating sustainable livelihoods and uplifting coastal and rural communities in Eastern Samar,” he said.

Founded in 1967, MASOF has long served as a training institution specializing in fisheries. It is located in Barangay Matarinao in the municipality of Salcedo.

Once upgraded, the institution will be authorized to offer a wider range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as technical and short-term courses in fisheries, aquaculture, marine sciences, engineering, and technology.

The proposed ESPIFT is also envisioned to serve as a hub for research and innovation in sustainable fisheries and marine development.

Gonzales emphasized that the bill aims to align education with local economic needs, particularly in coastal communities that depend heavily on marine resources.

“By investing in education that builds on our natural strengths, we are creating more opportunities for our people and ensuring long-term, inclusive growth,” he added.

The measure also mandates coordination among key government agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to ensure effective implementation.

Gonzales expressed optimism that the bill will secure swift approval in the plenary, citing its potential to expand access to quality education and promote sustainable development in Eastern Samar.