The Iloilo City Government has allotted an initial of 10 “free slots” for teachers who are interested to pursue a master’s degree.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and West Visayas State University (WVSU) president Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz signed last week a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for master’s degree in education for Iloilo City public school teachers.

WVSU College of Education Dean Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, City Schools Asst. Division Superintendent Ernesto Servillon Jr., and Education Program Supervisor Dr. Jerson Labos also signed the MOA.

“This master’s program will prepare them for better teaching. This is also in preparation for their possible promotion,” Treñas stressed.

He noted that City Hall has continuously provided scholarships for students and employees.

“We will make sure that our teachers will also be able to get free masters with our partner, one of the best universities in the country. We are very proud with this partnership with a premier state university to raise the level of public education,” Treñas said.

Villaruz thanked the City Government “for giving us this opportunity to give service to our fellow Ilonggos so they can improve on their career advancement and can achieve their own goals.”

“If they can have their higher degree, of course, they can become future educational leaders of our schools. This rare opportunity between two government agencies is a manifestation towards improving the lives of our people,” Villaruz said.

“We really feel that this collaboration is timely and will definitely improve the level of education in the city. I hope we can expand this in other areas and include PhD programs probably in the future so that we will have a pool of premier teachers who can handle the job of delivering quality education to our students,” he added.Iloilo City PIO