PAGADIAN City International College will soon offer agriculture-related courses in line with the school’s long-term goal to offer research and expansion programs that will match the city’s employment and specific industry requirements.

“The city government’s intention has always been clear: To make education not only accessible to students but use it to help families make their lives better. Katuwang ng bawat Pagadianon ang kanilang city government sa pagnanais ng kinabukasan na higit na maayos, matiwasay at maliwanag,” Mayor Sammy Co said.

The move, he added, will make the learning institute’s curriculum aligned with the food security thrust of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“The President has said that we all need to plant, plant, plant so we will have enough food on the table, and money in our pockets. The city government is supportive of this initiative,” Co said.

The PCIC, which was established through City Ordinance No. 2021-479 signed by Co, started its operations in August 2021.

“The intention is for us to help our people. Because education matters the most, we at the city government has this initiative to be part of a solution in addressing the needs of our students and their families,” the mayor said.

Funds for the operations and management of the college is included in the city government’s executive budget.

So as not to compete with private universities in the city, PCIC offers courses that are not regularly available in private learning institutions, such as BS Multimedia Arts, BS Public Administration, BS Tourism Management and BS/Diploma on Midwifery.

The mayor said that the PCIC already has demo farms “which can be used once agricultural courses are added in its program offerings.”