FORMER Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan celebrated the enduring impact of Republic Act No. 9273, the law that converted Panay State Polytechnic College into Capiz State University

As one of the principal authors of the landmark legislation, Pangilinan reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening higher education, ensuring students from Capiz and beyond have access to quality learning opportunities.

“Ang pamumuhunan sa edukasyon ay pamumuhunan sa kinabukasan,” said Pangilinan.

“Nang itinulak natin ang paglikha ng Capiz State University, ang pangarap natin ay magkaroon ng institusyong magbibigay ng kaalaman at kasanayan sa mga kabataang Pilipino upang maiangat ang kanilang mga komunidad. Dalawang dekada ang lumipas, kitang-kita natin ang bunga ng pangarap na iyon,” he added.

RA 9273, enacted in 2004, elevated CAPSU into a premier academic institution in Western Visayas, integrating various state colleges across Capiz under one university system.

Since then, CAPSU has expanded its programs in agriculture, fisheries, engineering, business, and other disciplines vital to regional and national development.

Pangilinan, a staunch advocate for education and agriculture, emphasized the role of institutions like CAPSU in advancing food security and rural development.

“Dapat naaabot, praktikal, at may direktang ugnayan sa pagpapabuti ng sektor ng agrikultura ang mas mataas na edukasyon. Mahalaga ang papel ng CAPSU sa pagsasanay ng susunod na henerasyon ng mga magsasaka, agripreneur, at mananaliksik na sisiguruhing may sapat na pagkain para sa ating bayan,” he added.

The senator also underscored his continued efforts to support public universities through legislative measures that provide funding, scholarships, and research grants.

His co-authorship of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which grants free tuition in state universities and colleges, has further strengthened his advocacy for accessible and quality education.

As CAPSU continues its mission of academic excellence, Pangilinan reaffirmed his support for its students, faculty, and alumni.

“Walang kulay ang edukasyon. Isa itong batayang karapatan na dapat nating alagaan at ipaglaban. Patuloy nating isusulong ang mga polisiyang titiyak na walang estudyanteng Pilipino ang maiiwan,” Pangilinan emphasized.

With its growing impact in the region, CAPSU stands as a testament to the power of education in transforming lives—an achievement that Pangilinan, together with the people of Capiz, proudly celebrates.