More Ilonggo students to get free education with ICCC expansion at Fort San Pedro

More indigent but deserving Ilonggo students are set to gain access to free and quality higher education as the Iloilo City Government moves forward with the expansion of Iloilo City Community College (ICCC) at Fort San Pedro.

The expansion project will enable ICCC to introduce new, industry-aligned academic programs such as Information Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and other future-ready courses designed to respond to current employment demands.

Mayor Raisa Treñas underscored that the initiative is part of the city’s long-term investment in the youth, ensuring that financially challenged students can continue their education.

“Ini nga proyekto amo gid ang rason kun ngaa mapadayon kag mas mapasangkad pa naton ang libre nga tuition kag miscellaneous fees para sa aton mga pigado apang deserving nga estudyante. Kun wala ini, madamo sa ila ang wala na sang iban pa nga pilian kundi mauntat nalang sa pag-eskwela,” the mayor said.

To finance the initiative, the city government secured a loan agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), supporting the continued delivery of free tuition and miscellaneous fees to qualified Iloilo City residents.

The expansion is also necessary to strengthen ICCC’s institutional capacity and ensure compliance with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) accreditation requirements. ICCC is currently one of only three community colleges in Western Visayas receiving CHED support.

At present, ICCC serves over 1,300 students enrolled in four academic programs at its original campus in Molo. Maintaining CHED accreditation is crucial to sustaining grants and subsidies that benefit students from low-income families.

The Fort San Pedro expansion will include new academic buildings, classrooms, a library, computer laboratories, a clinic, administrative offices, and a covered gymnasium, all aimed at providing a safe, modern, and dignified learning environment for Ilonggo students.
(Source: Iloilo City PIO)