HB No. 7081, which seeks to convert Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) in Talisay City, Negros Occidental into a university was approved earlier this week by the House of Representatives Committee on Higher and Technical Education.

The bill, authored by Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, seeks to “bring educational opportunities to underprivileged but deserving Negros Occidental students.”

According to the congressman, CHMSC “offers higher technological, professional, and vocational education and training in science, agriculture, and industrial fields; as well as short-term or vocational courses.”

The school, established in 1983, has its main campus in Talisay City, along with satellite campuses in Bacolod City Barangays Alijis and Fortune Town, as well as Binalbagan.

Negros Occidental third district and fifth district Reps. Alfredo Benitez and Alejandro Mirasol co-authored the legislation.

Last month, the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution endorsing the bill./WDJ