• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City Government has announced that graduating students of the Bacolod City College (BCC) will no longer have to pay graduation fees this year.
The decision followed a meeting between the city administration, BCC officials, and student representatives to ensure full subsidy for the upcoming commencement exercises in June.
Under the initiative, the city government will cover all essential costs for the Batch of 2026, providing the graduation venue, toga rentals, diplomas, and other related expenses.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo confirmed that there are an estimated 900 graduates this year for both the 2-year and 4-year bachelor courses.
He said that the city will spend at least P1-2 million for the program, noting that funds are currently available to support the move.
Mayo added that the city aims to help parents and students redirect their savings toward household needs and the transition into their professional careers.
The city administrator said that the continuity of the program will depend on the availability of the funds.
He noted that it is a positive development this year that it should be doable for the future graduates of BCC in the years to come.*
