Rep. Hataman proposes creation of Basilan agri and fishery college

• Published date: 09 February 2023
• Publication title: Business Mirror

TO boost agriculture and fisheries production in Basilan, a lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to establish a tertiary educational institution that aims to develop the two most important sectors in attaining food security.

Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman filed House Bill 7085 last Monday, which seeks to establish the Basilan Agriculture and Fisheries College and enable students from Basilan to study the latest trends and new technologies in agriculture and fisheries.

'Agriculture and fisheries are two of the main sources of livelihood for Basileños. A college that specializes in these two sectors will greatly benefit not only the citizens of Basilan, but the economy of the whole province as well,' Hataman, former governor of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said.

'The state college will provide the necessary facility to enhance the desire of the people of Basilan for better education and develop the talents and skills of the youth in the province in the field of arts and sciences, teacher education, agriculture, aquaculture, engineering and technology, food technology, nutrition, as well as in vocational and other technical courses,' said Hataman.

According to the measure, the state college 'shall primarily provide technical and professional training in sciences, arts, teacher education, agriculture, engineering and technology, fisheries, food technology, nutrition, as well as short-term vocational courses.'

'It shall likewise promote research, advanced studies and academic leadership in the stated areas of specialization,' HB 7085 read.

It shall be governed by a Board of Trustees composed of 11 individuals and chaired...