THE Association of Private Schools and Universities (APSU) of Region 1 thumbed down the proposal of Fourth District Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. for the establishment of a Korea-Philippines University in Pangasinan.

APSCU, represented by their president Dr. Mac Arthur Samson, sent a letter to De Venecia dated May 25, expressing their rejection of the proposal.

“We are saddened by the news on your proposal for the establishment of a Korea-Philippine University in the Province of Pangasinan,” said the letter signed by Samson, also the president of the University of Luzon in Dagupan City.

Samson said De Venecia’s proposal could send the wrong signal to the public that universities and colleges of Pangasinan, particularly those based in Dagupan, which is part of the district that De Venecia represents in Congress, are not at par with international standards.

APSU also said a Korean-Philippine University in Pangasinan will directly compete with existing higher educational institutions not just in the province but in the entire Region 1.

In rejecting the proposal, APSU proposed an alternative.

“We are proposing for the Korean government to partner with existing private higher educational institution in Pangasinan with proven track record for academic excellence instead of setting up a Korea-Philippine University. . .” the letter reads.

Samson cited the six Higher Educational Institutions in the Region granted De-Regulated Status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), including the Lyceum Northwestern University and Colegio de Dagupan, both in Dagupan; La Union College, St. Louis Colleges and Lorma Colleges, all in San Fernando City; and the Northwestern University in Laoag.

Furthermore, the UL in Dagupan City is the lone University in the region elevated to an Autonomous Status by CHED.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives broached the idea during the May 20 groundbreaking rites for the planned Seafood Processing Plant in Dagupan City, attended by Korean Ambassador Choi Joon Kyung.—LM

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