๐ฆ๐๐ฎ. ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ, ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ผ ๐ข๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น, ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฒ, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฐ โOfficials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region XI visited the Sta. Maria Extension Class of the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) to validate the establishment of extension campuses in the province.
Leading the CHED XI team was Regional Director Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, who was accompanied by Education Supervisor II, Dr. Lourdes D. Cesar, and Dr. Luis Perez. The group toured the facilities of the Sta. Maria Extension Building as part of their comprehensive assessment.
SPAMAST officials, headed by College President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, were also present during the validation, underscoring the institutionโs commitment to expanding educational opportunities in Davao Occidental.
A key highlight of the visit was a meeting between CHED XI, SPAMAST, and the Municipal Government of Sta. Maria, led by Hon. Mayor Claude Benjamin โDinkoโ D. Bautista II. The discussions focused on a collaborative effort between the local government unit (LGU) and SPAMAST to establish a full-fledged college extension campus in the municipality.
The initiative aims to bring quality education closer to residents of Sta. Maria and neighboring areas, furthering local development through academic access and capacity-building initiatives.
This validation marks a significant step toward realizing the vision of expanding SPAMASTโs educational reach in the region, offering enhanced opportunities for students in Davao Occidental.