BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III on Thursday announced the new vision of the City Government in transforming the component city as an emerging hub for knowledge-based businesses in the Philippines.
Speaking before parents, teachers and students, the City Mayor said that they have revised the vision of University Town 2020, from “Balanga becoming the center for political, economic, social and cultural integration in the Asia-Pacific” into “Balanga U-Town: The Emerging Hub for Knowledge-Based Businesses in the Philippines”. “We want Balanga to be No. 1 in innovation, Garcia added.” He also said that with the new vision, Balanga can easily survive the competitive world.
Garcia likewise cited the case of Silicon Valley which is considered as the knowledge-based capital of the world.
The Mayor said he sees no reason why the City could not make it to the top. “Mahusay ang mga teachers, mahusay ang mga magulang at siyempre mahusay din ang mga anak na inaasahan nating gagawa ng mga new inventions and innovations.” Under the EduChild program of the City, parents of preschool children are required to regularly attend seminars on proper parenting.
The Mayor made the announcement during the two-day Education Summit aimed at having a world-class educational program in Balanga, held at the Grand Ballroom of Lou-is Restaurant,sponsored by the City Government in coordination with the Department of Education.
Dr. Ronaldo Pozon, City Schools Division Superintendent, said that with the full assistance from the City Government, drop-out rate considerably decreased among elementary and high school students. “The passing rate in the Alternative Learning System in Balanga is the highest in Region 3,” he added.
Dr. Rommel Garcia, Vice-Chairman, Dangerous Drugs Board, talked on “Engagement: Responsibility of Parents in Rearing up Drug-free Children.” Richard Nollen, project Duke Chairperson, discussed “Parenting in the Eyes of a Child.” Lawyer Eugenio Villareal, Chairman, Movie & Television Review & Classification Board, dealt on “Equity: Accountability of Both Parents & Teachers Towards ‘Matalinong Panonood ng Pamilya’.”
