A Tripartite Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on Thursday, June 26, to revive the Lasallian education mission in Victorias and nearby towns through the reopening of La Salle College Victorias, which will focus on technical and vocational education and training.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez , Third District congressman-elect , signed the Tripartite Memorandum of Cooperation with the University of Saint La Salle and Unilab Education Incorporated at the Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña Arts and Cultural Center on Thursday, June 26.
The shared vision is to reestablish the institution as a center for technical skills development, career readiness, and economic empowerment, a press release from Victorias City said.
Unilab Education Inc., the education arm of the Filipino-owned Unilab Group, joined the collaboration with its mission to promote affordable, accessible, and quality education that enables social mobility, it said.
The agreement outlines the joint conduct of marketing studies, business planning, and the creation of an operational framework and educational offerings that respond to the demands of the local workforce, the press release said.
Benitez said the agreement is not merely a signing of documents but a commitment to unlocking opportunities through education.
He highlighted the city’s vision to strengthen skills development and build a competitive workforce for the future.
Signing the memorandum were Benitez, Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect Abelardo Bantug III, University of Saint La Salle President Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez, and Unilab Education President Attorney Jose Maria Ochave.
Martinez said the initiative reflects a shared mission and a hopeful step toward responsive and inclusive education.
He was joined by University Chancellor Minnie Chua, Vice Chancellor for Mission and Development Mark Christopher Dueñas, Director for Special Projects Matthew Ramos, Campus Officer for La Salle Victorias Maryiole Dequinto, and Coordinator for LifeSkills Hanalee Frofunga.
Ochave said education is not only a right but also an investment in the future, one that must be shared by students, parents, and the government.
He emphasized the importance of developing a skills-based learning ecosystem that leads to employment and empowers students with both knowledge and practical competencies.
Also present were Director Ramon Miguel Barredo and Executive Officer Michael Ignatius Tan of Unilab Education Incorporated.*