The Municipality of Santa Fe in Bantayan Island is poised to have its first institution of higher learning that shall offer a range of baccalaureate degrees in engineering, architecture, tourism management, and other fields tailored to meet local and global industry demands.
During its regular session on Monday, July 15, the Provincial Board (PB) unanimously greenlighted Municipal Ordinance No. 04-2024 that seeks the establishment of an LGU-funded community college in Santa Fe, following an affirmative review by the Committee on Higher and Technical Education, chaired by Board Member Thadeo Jovito M. Ouano.
Ordinance No. 04-2024 is the Charter of the Community College of Santa Fe, to be known as “Colegio de Santa Fe”, which shall be located in Brgy. Poblacion at the old municipal building.
Santa Fe, with a population of 34,471 according to the 2020 Census, is looking to address a critical need for the residents of the island municipality, known all over the world for its white sand beaches and authentic island life experience.
While neighboring LGUs of Bantayan and Madridejos already have colleges, such as the Cebu Technological University–Bantayan Extension; Bantayan School Institute; and Madridejos Community College — Santa Fe still lacks its own higher educational institution until now.
Aside from college degrees, Colegio de Santa Fe will also focus on vocational training, research in natural resource conservation, and sustainable development.
The institution will operate as a corporate entity, ensuring continuity and stability regardless of changes in LGU leadership. This move aligns with national educational goals, promoting academic freedom and equitable access to higher education for all qualified students regardless of background.
The establishment of Colegio de Santa Fe is anchored in various legal frameworks, including Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) and Republic Act No. 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994), underscoring its compliance with national standards and regulations.
The governance of Colegio de Santa Fe will be vested in a Board of Trustees, including the municipal mayor as chairperson and the college president as vice chairperson. The BOT will also include representatives from education, business, and the community.
The approval of this ordinance is an attestation to the commitment of the Cebu Provincial Capitol to improving access to quality education for all Cebuanos. | Marie Therese S. Pacaña, CNU Intern