Pangasinan Polytechnic College Prepares for Opening with Training Programs

PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES – The Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), funded by the provincial government, is gearing up for its inaugural academic year in August by launching training programs in April through its Center for Livelihood and Learning.

According to Philippines News Agency, Vice Governor Mark Lambino, in a recent interview, revealed that the rehabilitation of the buildings for PPC is set to begin in February. The college, with an allocated budget of PHP30 million for this year, is located at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center. It will offer courses in agri-business, agri-engineering, and vocational training. “We’ve started the rehabilitation of the buildings for PPC use. The old Ricafort building is being renovated into the Center for Lifelong Learning, while the YDC building is being converted into the first campus of the PPC, ready for its initial operations,” Lambino said.

Lambino highlighted that PPC is the first college in the Ilocos Region to be fully owned and operated by a provincial government and will provide full scholarships. Plans are underway to possibly introduce a nursing program this year or in 2025, contingent on accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). “With Pangasinan’s economy heavily reliant on agriculture, we aim to create opportunities in this sector. However, we also plan to offer mainstream courses like nursing and education in the coming years,” he stated.

The PPC is open to students beyond Pangasinan. The governing board is chaired by Governor Ramon Guico III, with the PPC president as vice chair. Board members include the chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education, the provincial administrator, regional directors of CHED and the Department of Agriculture, and representatives from the youth and private sectors.

The establishment of the PPC was formalized through a local ordinance passed on June 26, 2023.