'Mikey' to help push for conversion of Estancia college into 'university'
Efforts to upgrade and convert one of Iloilo's state colleges into a university got a welcomed backing from no less than the President's son.
Vowing to help support the move, First Son, Pampanga Representative Mikey Macapagal-Arroyo gave his word to hundreds of locals and members of the academe in Estancia, Iloilo.
The First Son was guest of honor in a collaborative forum here initiated by longtime family and personal friend, Estancia Mayor Restituto Mosqueda.
"I give you my word, I will help your congressman, (Niel) JunJun Tupas in pushing for the conversion of Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (NIPSC) into becoming a university," Representative Arroyo said amidst cheers from the crowd.
NIPSC's conversion has since been pushed by college officials in a bid to further extend services and improve its educational programs to thousands of students in Northern Iloilo.
To note, NIPSC is home to hundreds of government scholars including those chosen by then district Representative now Vice Governor Rolex Suplico. The scholarship grants have now extended under the educational assistance of incumbent Representative Tupas.
Meantime, the Estancia forum generated a stir and hysteria from a mixed crowd of government workers, officials and locals with the President's son treated like a celebrity. Requests for photo-opportunity went non-stop as soon as Representative Arroyo ended his speech.
One woman shared her delight on hearing the President's son speak in local dialect as he thanked everybody in behalf of his family for the support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
"Madamo gid nga salamat sa inyo bulig sa kay Presidente Gloria. Kami tanan sang amon pamilya nagapasalamat gid (Thank you so much for helping President Gloria. Our entire family is truly grateful). We love you all," Representative "Mikey" said as he waved to the excited crowd.
Upon arrival at the forum venue, the First Son went around to personally greet local mayors present, town and barangay officials and representatives from business, religious and education sector. He took the time to make his rounds and later chose to sit not on the presidential table set but with the crowd.
"Kami ni General Mosqueda...bestfriends for life!," he said in jest that elicited more cheers and applause.
Mayor Mosqueda prior to his entry into politics served and rose from the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The mayor as a decorated PNP official is a retired police-general. It was during Mayor Mosqueda's police service that Representative Arroyo shared the good relations the Arroyo family had with him.