BALANGIGA, Eastern Samar — Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Monday led the official turnover of the new Academic and Administrative Buildings of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) – Balangiga Extension Campus, marking a significant milestone in the shared effort to bring higher education closer to communities in the province.

The ceremony brought together key figures who helped make the project possible: ESSU President Jun Pagatpatan, CHED Regional Director Max Aljibe, Balangiga Mayor Dana de Lira, members of the ESSU faculty, local government officials, and community stakeholders.

For many, the moment was more than a formal handover—it was the realization of a long-held aspiration for accessible education in one of the country’s most underserved areas.

“This is not just an ordinary turnover ceremony. This is a celebration of what we can accomplish when we dream together, believe together, and build together,” Acidre said.

The extension campus was first envisioned in 2022, anchored on a clear purpose: to ensure that students in Balangiga and nearby towns could pursue college degrees without the financial strain or hardship of relocating.

“Every young person in Balangiga and its neighboring towns deserves the opportunity to go to college—without having to leave their hometown, without drowning in financial difficulties, and without giving up on their dreams,” Acidre emphasized.

Acidre credited the success of the project to the strong collaboration between various sectors.

“The local government unit of Balangiga planted the seed. They recognized the urgent need and said: ‘This is worth fighting for,’” said Acidre.

Acidre also recognized the tireless efforts of ESSU’s leadership and faculty, as well as CHED Regional Office VIII, for guiding the project through necessary policy and procedural requirements. “

And we in TINGOG did what we were elected to do: to bring the voice of the people to Congress, and to make sure that voice gets heard.”

Beyond its physical structure, the campus stands as a symbol of shared purpose. “These buildings may be made of cement, steel, and glass—but they stand on the stronger foundation of our collective hope and shared purpose,” he said.

“We are giving the next generation a space to learn, to dream, to discover, and to lead. This is more than a school—it is a promise fulfilled,” the solon said.

Acidre also underscored the project’s legislative progress. With the House of Representatives’ approval of House Bill 9302, and the Senate’s concurrence expected soon, the ESSU Balangiga Extension Campus is on track to become a permanent fixture within the country’s state university system.

“That’s not just a milestone—it’s a message,” he said. “It tells every student from Balangiga, Lawaan, Giporlos, Quinapondan, and the rest of Eastern Samar: ‘You don’t need to go far to go far,” he added.

He also reflected on the broader significance of the project, drawing key lessons from the experience. “First, vision matters. Second, partnership works. Third, progress is possible. If we can do this for Balangiga, we can do this for other towns too,” said Acidre.

He reaffirmed Tingog’s commitment to education, infrastructure, and regional equity. “If TINGOG is given another term in Congress, we give you our word: we will continue what we’ve started.

We will keep fighting for better access to education, more infrastructure for our schools, and more opportunities for every Estehanon,” he added.

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Ryan Ponce Pacpaco