‘FREE TUITION ON THE LINE’: ICCC expansion to ease overcrowding, add programs

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Community College acting President Dr. Arnold Grecia Rago said Wednesday, Feb. 11, that the school’s planned expansion in Fort San Pedro aims to address severe classroom overcrowding and pave the way for new degree programs.

ICCC currently serves more than 1,200 students in only 16 classrooms, falling short of the standard ratio of one classroom for every 40 students.

“That is why even on Saturdays, up to 7 p.m., there are still classes for the children. We are just maximizing the availability of the classroom,” Rago said.

At present, ICCC offers four degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Office Administration, Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, Bachelor of Science in Special Needs Education–Early Childhood Education, and Bachelor of Science in Criminology.

Rago said more than 500 students apply for each program annually, or about 2,000 applicants in total, but the college can admit only around 500 students, or roughly 100–150 per program.

“That is too small. If we look at inclusivity, we cannot comply with inclusive education because we can only accommodate a small number of applicants because of the lack of classrooms,” he said.

Once the expansion is completed, ICCC plans to offer additional programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Rago said the expansion is critical to sustaining the city-funded free tuition program, which could be jeopardized if the college fails to meet updated standards set by the Commission on Higher Education.

Among the issues flagged by CHED are the lack of open spaces, including an auditorium, sports facilities, and venues for large events, at the current campus in Molo.

The new campus project includes two three-story buildings with 12 classrooms each designed for future vertical expansion, and a four-story building that will house additional classrooms, administrative offices, a library, and computer laboratories.

The project also covers the development of internal road networks and parking areas, drainage systems, perimeter fencing, and a gymnasium with a seating capacity of up to 1,000.

Rago said CHED has not set a specific deadline for the expansion but requires ICCC to submit detailed construction plans and timelines.

“With that, we will be compliant with what the CHED wants,” he said.

He added that the expansion is targeted for completion within two years, depending on weather conditions.

Rago clarified that the existing ICCC campus in Molo will remain operational and continue serving as a city government education facility after the new site is completed.

“Maybe since it was approved during our Board of Trustees meeting, we will offer a BS Information Technology program. Some programs will remain temporarily at the current campus until the new site is fully completed and ready for all intended facilities,” he said.

The Iloilo City government plans to secure a PHP 300 million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to finance the expansion, with a proposed 15-year term at 4.5 percent annual interest.