𝘑𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘈𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘴, 𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘰 𝘖𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 – 𝘈𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 16, 2024
The Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) marked a significant milestone with the inauguration and blessing of its new extension campus in Jose Abad Santos. This event represents a vital step towards making higher education more accessible to students in remote areas of Davao Occidental.
Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, President of SPAMAST, delivered a heartfelt welcome message, highlighting how the establishment of the JAS Extension Campus fulfills the vision of the late Assemblyman Benjamin V. Bautista Sr. His dream was to provide opportunities for people in far-flung areas to pursue college education, and this new campus is a testament to that commitment.
Dr. Bontia also acknowledged the instrumental role played by former congresswoman and the current Vice-Governor Lorna Bautista-Bandigan. Through her efforts and congressional insertion, funding for the campus was secured, making the construction and eventual opening of the facility possible.
Representing Vice-Governor Bautista-Bandigan at the event, Ma’am Marivic Hubac congratulated SPAMAST, noting that this initiative aligns with the provincial government’s broader efforts to uplift communities through education.
The Local Government Unit of Jose Abad Santos also expressed its support. Speaking on behalf of Mayor Atty. Jason John A. Joyce, Engr. Jonathan S. Dapar, Jr. urged students to take full advantage of the opportunity to pursue and complete their degrees now that higher education is more accessible within their locality.
The ceremony included blessing the new academic building and dormitory, officiated by Fr. Isagani Authentico. The event was attended by officials from both the academic and administrative units of SPAMAST, faculty members, representatives from partner agencies such as the LGU, the provincial government, and the Department of Education (DepEd), as well as students of the SPAMAST-JAS Extension Campus.
This new campus stands as a beacon of hope for the community, offering local students the chance to attain higher education without the need to travel far from home.
