JdV clarifies Korea-RP University proposal
AFTER local institutions reacted negatively to his proposal, 4th District Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. clarified that his proposal for the establishment of a Korean-Philippine University is “Philippine-specific, not Pangasinan specific” and therefore, will not affect viability of existing schools and universities in the province.
The Association of Philippine Colleges and Universities (APSCU), headed by its president MacArthur Samson, also president of the University of Luzon, sent a letter to De Venecia criticizing his plan, which they said does not bode well for the local educational institutions.
De Venecia made the proposal when Korean Ambassador Choi Joong Kyung was in Dagupan three weeks ago to attend the groundbreaking rites of the $2-million Seafood Processing Plant to be funded by the Korean government.
“The Korea-Philippine University is my idea to cement the educational partnership between Korea and the Philippines,” De Venecia told newsmen.
“What I said was, it (Korea-RP University) can be in Mindanao or in the Visayas or at Clark Field or at Subic depending on where the Koreans and Filipinos would want it,” De Venecia said.
He pointed out that if the idea is acceptable to the local educators, they can partner with the Korean government.
“Let the Korean government be the equal partner of the universities in Pangasinan, at least for those who are interested,” De Venecia said.
This partnership, he said, would help modernize a local university and help upgrade its facilities for the improvement of the science and technology curricula.
“There is a need for local universities to be strong in science and technology so that their graduates can measure up to the standards required for immediately employment in Korea,” De Venecia said.
The congressman said he never intends to initiate anything that will disadvantage local educators with whom he has closely worked in public service.
De Venecia reiterated that the local colleges and universities are his partners in educating the youth in his district through his scholarship program.—LM
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
