Archival says rejection of ACT scholarship program not yet final

Local

FOLLOWING the narrow rejection of the ACT Pit-os scholarship accreditation, Mayor Nestor Archival has called for a “reset.”

He is urging proponents to refile the measure with complete requirements instead of prolonging political and legal disputes.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, April 20, Archival said the executive department supports expanding the number of schools accredited under the city’s scholarship program but stressed that proposals must fully comply with all procedural and documentary requirements.

“Ang stand sa executive department, as many schools nga ma-accredit, mas maayo,” he said.

“But if there’s this ordinance nga pa-accredit and wala ma-accredit, I would suggest i-balik nato og file.”

The mayor emphasized that the rejection of the proposed accreditation is not final, and encouraged both ACT and other institutions to pursue accreditation through proper channels.

“Not only ACT, but ako gi-encourage other universities nga magpa-accredit sa syudad. Mas maayo man gud daghan ma-accredit para daghan pilian ang atong mga estudyante,” he added.

Archival acknowledged the strong emotional reaction from students, particularly those from upland barangays who stand to benefit from the Asian College of Technology International Education Foundation (ACTIEF) Pit-os Campus.

He noted that the campus’ location makes it a practical option for residents in mountain areas who would otherwise need to travel to the city proper.

“Naa’y eskwelahan sa Pit-os, very near sa mountain barangays. So kadaghanan sa students didto, instead of going to the city, didto nalang sila,” he said.

“Mao to nga naay emotional response ang mga bata.”

Still, the mayor urged stakeholders to move forward constructively.

“But it is not the end of the world. Ibalik lang nato. If there are documents needed, we will ask them to submit that para dili na magdaghan ang lalis,” he said.

The statement follows the Cebu City Council’s 8–7 vote rejecting the proposed resolution that would have allowed ACTIEF’s Pit-os Campus to participate in the city’s scholarship program.

The measure, authored by Councilor Alvin Arcilla, aimed to authorize the mayor to enter into a memorandum of agreement with ACTIEF to expand access to tertiary education for students in northern upland barangays.

Despite support from the minority bloc, the proposal was voted down by the majority, which cited legal and procedural concerns.

Among the issues raised was a potential conflict of interest, as ACTIEF is owned by the family of Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa.

Under the Local Government Code, local governments are restricted from entering into contracts with entities linked to sitting officials within certain degrees of consanguinity.

The council’s Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling also flagged the absence of formal certification from the Cebu City College Scholarship Program Committee confirming ACTIEF’s accreditation prior to the resolution’s endorsement.

It further cited concerns over past scholarship-related transactions, and that the dismissal of a criminal case tied to the issue does not automatically resolve ethical questions.

Despite clarifications presented by ACTIEF representatives during executive sessions, the majority bloc remained unconvinced.

The outcome sparked visible distress among students who attended the session, with several seen in tears after the vote.

Arcilla has since vowed to continue pushing for the school’s accreditation, assuring affected students and parents that efforts are ongoing.(TGP)