by Mimi G. Bern-Edaga

Zamboanga City (December 13) -- The year ends on a high note for three Zamboanga City High Schools (ZCHS) namely, Tetuan, West and Ayala as they receive similar computer packages each from the City government and the Department of Trade and Industry-9.

The ZCSH-West was the latest to receive 10 computer units while Tetuan had its share last Monday. Ayala will get its share on Friday.

These national high schools are recipient of DTI's initiative in acquiring a Japanese grant for Zamboanga City's school computerization program. This grant is complemented by the City's school building program.

Mayor Celso Lobregat said during the turn –over ceremony said, "all these are being done to improve the quality of education." He cited the 8% low result of the Examination for Teachers in Region-9 during the recent years with only 800 passers out of 10,000 examinees.

He challenged the 6000 students of the ZCHS-West "to be above the rest and be the best in the west," as he reiterated that the government is doing its best to undertake efforts to help reduce classroom shortage and improve school facilities with the ultimate goal of improving education quality.

In the same manner, Dr. Grace Rebollos, newly installed 4th President of the Western State University (WMSU) echoed her aspiration, saying "the investiture is our way of renewing our commitment to public duty and acknowledging with deep appreciation the confidence of higher authorities in qualifications and sincere intention to serve."

Mayor Lobregat and Dr. Rebollos' efforts clearly correlates with President Arroyo's promise to continue working for "what's best for the people" here and overseas and with the government's plan to embark next year to, strengthen the educational system and improve the human rights situation among others.

With a new motto, "WMSU na Servicio del Communidad" launched her governance, outlining her administrative program that is decidedly oriented towards serving the poorer majority of the region's population.