Aquino eyes more funding for agri, tourism, and engineering courses to further boost Aklan’s local economy

KALIBO, Aklan- Former Senator Bam Aquino has vowed to increase funding for agricultural, tourism, and engineering courses for Aklan State University as part of the Free College Law, which he championed as principal sponsor in the Senate.

“Isang magandang hakbang ito para masuportahan pa ang turismo at agrikultura dito sa Aklan. Alam ko ang dalawang iyan ang pangunahing pinagkakitaan ng mga tao dito,” Aquino said during a radio interview when he attended his first “Ati-Atihan” Festival in Kalibo.

”Makatutulong din ang pagpapalakas ng mga engineering courses para mapaigting pa ang modernisasyon at kaunlaran ng lalawigan,” he added.

Since the law’s passage in 2017, Aquino said 15,000 students have graduated from Aklan State University, with 10,000 currently enrolled in the province’s main state university.

“Kung tutuusin, 25,000 students na iyong nakakuha ng tulong dito sa batas natin. I’m proud to say na tuloy-tuloy naman po iyong pagpondo dito,” he said. If he returns to the Senate, Aquino promised to ensure sufficient funding for the free college law and various scholarship programs for poor college students who want to study in private schools and to bridge the gap between education and guaranteed employment.

“Whether 4th year college ka or Grade 12 ka, pag ikaw yung nakapagtapos na, dapat may trabahong naghihintay sa iyo. Ang pinakagusto natin, bago pa mag-graduate ang kabataan, may job offer na siya,” Aquino explained.

“Ito ang isang reformang nais natin makita, na pagkatapos ng tulong sa pagkakaroon ng magandang edukasyon, tulong naman na makahanap ng trabaho na regular. Trabaho na makatao ang sahod at trabaho na bagay sa pinag-aralan natin,” he added.

In addition, Aquino vows more assistance to local farmers and small businesses so they can benefit from Aklan’s booming tourism industry, especially in Boracay Island.   During a brief meeting, Aklan Gov. Joen Miraflores has expressed full support for Aquino’s senatorial bid.