“The Baao Community College is one of the legacies of my grandfather, LRV. He championed education because he believed in the potential of every Camarinense. LRV knew in his heart that anyone from CamSur, despite of his or her background and resources, deserves access to free tertiary education. And the establishment of Baao Community College is the realization of this belief,” said Governor Luigi Villafuerte in his inspiring message to the graduates of the 2oth Commencement Exercises of Baao Community College.
With the theme, “Education, Resiliency and Perseverance During Challenging Times”, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur proudly recognized the years of hard work of over 600 students from Baao Community College (BCC) Class of 2021 and 2022 with Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Industrial technology Major in Electronics, Industrial Technology Major in Automotive, Engineering Technology Major in Electronics, Engineering Technology Major in Automotive, Information Systems and Associate in Computer Technology on July 18, 2022 at the Capitol Convention Center.
“Kahit ang tulad ko na medyo may edad na, talagang nagpursige akong magtapos alang-alang sa kinabukasan ng aking pamilya,” shared 34-year old Bryan Bolalin from BCC Class of 2021, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. For him, age is not a hindrance in pursuing his dreams. Although Bryan had to put his studies on hold to work overseas in UAE to help support his family, he still decided to continue his studies and was able to finally march for the face-to-face graduation ceremony this year.
While Bryan was working overseas, he realized that there was something missing as he craved to achieve more, so he decided to go home and pursue the dream that he had to delay for the longest time.
As he looked back on how far he had come to be where he is now, Bryan was grateful and proud that he graduated at BCC. According to him, “Super proud ako na sa BCC ako nakapag-aral at nakapag-tapos ng kursong Elementary Education dahil alam kong sa BCC talagang nagbibigay ng quality education at BCC rin ay may high passing rate sa mga licensure examinations hindi lang sa Education but also sa ibang courses.”
“Sobrang laking tulong ang BCC hindi lang sa Rinconada kundi pati sa mga karatig bayan o siyudad. Malaking tulong sa mga estudyante lalo na sa kanilang mga magulang ang naibibigay na free tertiary quality education kasi wala nang babayaran na tuition fee. Nagkaroon din kami ng oportunidad na makapag-aral at marami pang matutunan na magagamit sa hinaharap kaya malaki din ang pasasalamat ko,” he also added
For Eva Mirando of San Juan, Iriga City, a graduate of Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Major in Social Studies and Magna Cum Laude of Class 2022, it was a struggle to juggle responsibilities at work and school, but all of her hard work paid off as she graduated with flying colors.
“My journey at Baao Community College wasn’t easy. I encountered a lot of challenges and difficulties just like other students. I struggled financially, so I had to become a working student. I do hosting, bartending, and baking. However, my experiences taught me to become a jack-of-all-trades. Kahit ganon napagdaanan ko, ako ay nagpapasalamat dahit lahat ng iyon ay may magandang kapalit, naka-graduate na ako,” she gleefully shared.
While for her, there is no one secret in juggling being a working student and managing her own small business, she admitted that it was never an easy task. However, she was able to master the art of time management and setting up the right priorities. Despite having a lot of side hustles, she made sure that academics are her top priorities.
Also now orphaned, Eva did not only strive but excelled in her studies. Losing her parents and not having them around anymore pushed her to finish school despite the financial constraints in pursuing her dream. She also expressed her gratitude for the opportunities and privileges that she received because of Baao Community College. According her, “Napakalaking tulong ng BCC laong-lalo na sa katulad ko na naging isang ulila at wala nang magulang na magpapaaral at susuporta. Nang dahil sa BCC, nakapagtapos po ako dahil sa libreng edukasyon. I am looking forward to seeing thousands of youth who will have the same experiences and privilege that BCC has to offer.”
Baao Community College is the first community college established by the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur in the year 2000 under the leadership of the late Governor Luis R. Villafuerte. It is one of the local colleges in Bicol that was granted with Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTE) which gives students the privilege and opportunity to enjoy free access to higher education, especially those who are not born with a silver spoon in their mouths like Eva and Bryan.
Because of the free tertiary education, those who only dreamed of success was able to achieve them. Through the years, BCC has produced young achievers and professionals in the field of education, engineering, and information technology, and has continuously brought pride to the province as they uplifted their families from poverty.
The Provincial Government’s commitment to give deserving Camarinenses access to free tertiary education continues as more community colleges will be built across the province.
