Cebu City Councilor Calls for Accelerated Accreditation Process for ACTIEF Pit-os Campus
Cebu City Councilor Winston Pepito has formally submitted a request to the Cebu City Scholarship Office, urging them to expedite the accreditation process for the Asian College of Technology International Educational Foundation (ACTIEF) Pit-os Campus. In a letter dated April 17, 2026, addressed to Scholarship Office Executive Director Shirly Otadoy, Pepito emphasized the critical need for an immediate site inspection, which remains a pending requirement for the campus's accreditation.
Urgent Need for Site Inspection Highlighted
Pepito stressed that completing this site inspection is essential for the approval of a proposed memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Cebu City Government and ACTIEF. "The immediate completion of this requirement is crucial," Pepito wrote in his letter, noting that the accreditation directly impacts and benefits student scholars in the community. He expressed his readiness to assist in coordinating efforts to speed up the process, prioritizing the welfare and best interests of students.
Background: Recent Council Rejection of Scholarship Resolution
This request follows a recent decision by the Cebu City Council, which rejected a resolution in an 8–7 vote that would have allowed ACTIEF Pit-os Campus to participate in the city's scholarship program. The proposed agreement, authored by Councilor Alvin Arcilla, aimed to expand access to tertiary education for students in upland barangays by providing financial assistance of up to P10,000 per semester, along with transportation support.
Concerns and Counterarguments in the Council Debate
The majority bloc voted against the measure, citing several concerns:
- Compliance requirements
- Accreditation procedures
- Potential conflict of interest
- Student welfare provisions
On the other hand, Councilor Arcilla argued that the concerns raised were vague and lacked specific documentation. He maintained that including the Pit-os campus would benefit more than 1,600 graduating senior high school students from upland areas, highlighting the educational opportunities at stake.
As the situation develops, Pepito's push for faster accreditation underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance educational access in Cebu City, with student welfare remaining a central focus in the political discourse.
