The City Government of Davao’s Peace 911 Program partnered with the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) to provide free quality tertiary education to residents of Paquibato District.
The USeP-Malabog Extension Campus (USeP-MEC), which was established in 2022, offers Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship to members of the Indigenous People’s Community in Paquibato as well as to other residents in the area.
The USEP-MEC currently holds classes at the Paquibato National High School while the establishment of its academic building, girls’ dormitory, and other facilities are being processed.
Paquibato District is one of those identified Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in the city with a history of being once beset by peace and development issues.
The establishment of a state university in the area that offers free education to residents of Paquibato District affirms the city government’s commitment to ensuring that every Dabawenyo, especially those in the GIDAs, has access to quality education.
The USEP-MEC has a total of 332 enrollees for the first semester of academic year 2024-2025. This is significantly higher than its 143 enrollees for the academic year 2022-2023.
At least 19 percent of these enrollees are members of the IP community in the area.
Christine Joyce Tugap, an official of Peace 911, said the establishment of USEP-MEC was a great help to the members of the community in Paquibato as this has made higher education accessible for them.
“Dako gyu’g tabang sa mga residente didto kay dili na sila kinahanglan pa nga mag-travel og layo, mugasto pa og mas dako kay naa naman didto gitukod ang USEP-MEC (It is a big help to the community since they no longer have to travel longer distances to go to school. They also don’t have to spend more since USEP-MEC is already in the area),” Tugap told the City Information Office.
Dabaweneyos in Paquibato district who wish to pursue higher education are urged to enrol in the USEP-MEC. CIO
