TWO additional sections will be opened this school year 2007-2008 for the secondary education program of the university – one section for the Laboratory High School (LHS) in Laoag and one for the Science High School in Batac.

This developed after the Board of Regents in its March 16 regular meeting approved LHS-Laoag’s proposal for the opening of additional classes for the said high schools.

The proposal came about after parents have not stopped demanding the university to admit more students so that their children can also share access to the high quality of education MMSU offers.  Aside from that, the national government has also allowed the increase in enrollment among state colleges and universities after realizing that these are excellent feeder institutions for tertiary education.

According to LHS-Laoag Principal Cristeta A. Pedro, each of the two high schools will accept 32 incoming freshmen.  The same number will be admitted each succeeding year in a span of seven years until 500 students will be completed for each two high schools.

An annual development fee of P1,000 will be charged from each student to be used for the repair and improvement of existing classrooms and facilities and for other concerns.

With strong belief that basic education provides the foundation for successful college education, Pedro said that the administration will ensure the same high quality of instruction despite the gradual increase in enrollment.  They will implement, she said, the following measures:  disseminate enrollment opportunities to be able to attract more capable students; provide incentives to deserving students; implement selective admission and retention; recruit teachers of high quality; develop and implement strong and effective faculty development program; improve facilities; and acquire equipment and supplies.