COLUMBIO, Sultan Kudarat — A promise to bring higher education closer to the people of Columbio moved toward realization on November 5, 2026, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) and the Municipal Government of Columbio.
The initiative traces its beginnings to Columbio’s founding anniversary celebration in July 2026, attended by Atty. Cyrus E. Torrena, DPA, MNSA, then an applicant for the SKSU presidency. During the gathering, Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu announced the envisioned SKSU campus in the municipality. Mayor Hon. Amirh M. Musali pledged his support should Atty. Torrena become University President, including a commitment of 20 hectares of land
With President Torrena now leading SKSU, that promise has translated into a formal partnership backed by land, funding, and initial facilities.
Acting on the President’s instructions, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Alan A. Maglantay led the delegation for the MOU signing with Mayor Musali, joined by Faculty Regent Engr. Eulogio L. Apellido, Jr. and Director for Resource Generation Dr. Rosita T. Rizaldo.
Under the MOU, LGU Columbio committed a five-hectare permanent campus site and an adjacent 20-hectare area for income-generating projects. These include President Torrena’s envisioned cut-flower production, suited to the town’s favorable climate, and other ventures to help sustain campus operations. The 40-hectare commitment will serve as an agricultural laboratory for the planned agriculture program, research, extension, and other income-generating activities.
The municipal government also committed ₱1 million in annual support, with an initial ₱1 million already allocated for pre-opening preparations. A separate ₱1 million allocation will fund improvements to the old market site for its conversion into a multipurpose hall for educational purposes. The delegation also inspected an existing five-classroom building, which will be repaired and refurbished as the initial instructional site while the permanent campus is being developed.
The signing fulfills a promise of support and begins the work needed to establish the campus. With land, funding, and initial facilities identified, SKSU and LGU Columbio move forward with the necessary planning, preparations, and institutional processes—bringing the dream of accessible university education closer to learners in Columbio and neighboring municipalities.
