President Arroyo inducts Dr.
Gonzales as PASUC head


President Gloria Arroyo inducts officers of PASUC
led by WMSU President Dr. Edilgario Gonzales
in a formal ceremony in Malacañang. (PR)

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently inducted into office Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) President Dr. Eldigario Gonzales as concurrent president of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) in a ceremony held in Malacañang.

Dr. Gonzales in a letter to Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat disclosed that during his dialogue with the Chief Executive, he reiterated to her the association's resolution requesting her to retain the government's regional offices and the Southern Command in the city.

The President's earlier order for the transfer to Pagadian City has been a major local issue in that local residents and City Hall has bucked the order.

The WMSU president was re-elected for a second term as PASUC president during the organization's general assembly held here last June. He took his oath in Malacañang last August 4 together with the other incoming officers of the organization.

PASUC has been increasingly active in consolidating and promoting the advancement of higher education and other concerns of state-owned educational institutions.

In its resolution, PASUC expressed concern that the transfer of the regional offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian will cause the dislocation of affected families to the detriment of their children enrolled in local SUCs, whose functions will moreover be prejudiced by the dispersal of vital government services.

The City Council has also acknowledged and commended PASUC's stand on the matter.Dr. Gonzales said President Arroyo was convinced of the need to review her earlier executive order on the transfer in the awke of widespread objection against it.

Recent subsequent reports indicate that the President has informed other parties that she has deferred the transfer of both the line agencies and Southcom for the meantime. (Press Release)