Today [August 1, 2024], a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sta. Maria and the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), marking the establishment of the SPAMAST – Sta. Maria Extension Class. The ceremony took place at the Girls Scout Building, Tibungoy Road, Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental.
The event commenced with a blessing ceremony conducted by Rev. Fr. Antonio C. Sila, DCD, setting a solemn tone before the start of the official MOA signing. Ms. Amalia Lin S. Cabangbang, Executive Officer IV and Local Youth Development Coordinator of LGU Sta. Maria, provided an overview of the collaborative effort that led to the creation of the extension class, emphasizing its importance in providing higher education to the community.
The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of several notable officials, including Mayor Claude Benjamin II “Dinko” D. Bautista, SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, Vice Mayor Josephine B. Mariscsal, SPAMAST officials, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members, department heads, educators, and community leaders.
In her speech, Dr. Bontia reiterated the shared vision of SPAMAST and its founder, Benjamin V. Bautista Sr., to promote tertiary education within the community. She expressed her gratitude to the LGU Sta. Maria, led by Mayor Dinko Bautista, for their unwavering support in bringing this initiative to fruition and providing opportunities for the local youth.
Mayor Dinko Bautista highlighted his commitment to addressing educational challenges and alleviating the financial burden on parents in sending their children to college. He expressed his hope that the establishment of the SPAMAST – Sta. Maria Extension Class would help uplift the community by making higher education more accessible.
The MOA signing and the establishment of the new extension class mark a significant milestone for Sta. Maria, offering new opportunities for local students to pursue higher education and improve their prospects.
