Chinese students to boost Cagayan’s economy

The influx of Chinese students in Cagayan would be beneficial to the economy of the province and this city, Gov. Manuel Mamba said.

Mamba pointed this out as he clarified that the influx of foreign students in Tuguegarao is not a program of the provincial government but an initiative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

Speaking before government workers in the province during the regular flag raising ceremony at the capitol on Monday, April 15, Mamba said “there is nothing to fear but rather that this is a good step to introduce the city and the province to the country.”

This city has been considered an educational center because there are four large universities in addition to various colleges and other educational institutions, the governor said.

“This is not our program, this is a program of the national government. This is a program of CHEd. Why? Because before they give autonomy to our universities and one of the requirements is internationalization,” he added.

Mamba said that the promotion of education by inviting foreign students is a program of the national government wherein the learners must be legally documented and have student visas.

The governor also noted that despite the influx of students to various universities in the city, they receive no complaints against them.

“I asked the police, the chief of police and the provincial director if there are complaints of blotter against these foreign students, especially Chinese students, because that’s what they say. They answered, no one,” the governor said.

Earlier, 3rd District Rep. joseph Lara has filed a resolution in the House of Representatives, calling for an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the influx of Chinese students in Tuguegarao which he said is a “concern for the country’s security.”