LUNA, Apayao – Alarmed sectors in this province expressed disappointment over the continuous drop in the rankings of the State-run Apayao State College (ASC) in various aspects of higher education over the past several months because of the alleged poor management displayed by the present administration.
ASC insiders, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, claimed that one of the evidences of the sudden drop in rankings of the higher education institution is the fact that ASC ranked last or 6th among 6 competing state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the last Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges (CARASUC) athletic and cultural festival which was held at the Kalinga State University (KSU) in Tabuk City, Kalinga compared to its rankings of 3rd or 2nd in previous similar competitions.
The source disclosed that ASC allegedly reverted to the national funds around P10 million that was previously earmarked for the put up of a cultural center and theatre because of the alleged inaction of school officials to the recommendations of the Bids and Wards Committee (BAC).
Earlier, the BAC reportedly submitted a resolution regarding the matter but the school president allegedly failed to act on the matter until the lapse of the period when the funds should have been utilized.
Ironically, the source added ASC earned a zero appropriation for capital outlay for next year wherein it was the only SUC in the region that had zero funds for capital outlay compared to previous figures tracing back to the previous administration.
Moreover, ASC’s net budget for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) dropped from P43 million this year to only P29 million next year while the highly competent vice president for research, director for research so with the director for extension allegedly resigned because of their alleged differences with the present administration and lately, the vice president for academic affairs also resigned from her post.
The source also questioned the present administration for the alleged non-issuance of school identification cards that were issued despite the end of the semester aside from the fact that most if not all building constructions seem to have stopped for the alleged failure of the administration to monitor the same for compliance with the prescribed schedule of work.
The sources asserted that those who were appointed to sensitive positions do not actually known and understand their duties and responsibilities that is why numerous work loads have been allegedly left unattended which is to the greater disadvantage of the supposed growth and development of the institution.
According to the sources, employees are already demoralized and are becoming unproductive while students are reportedly underserved wherein they view the same as alleged dis-service to the public, thus, the need for sectors to unite and save ASC from total destruction by poor management decisions.
By HENT