What once began as casual conversations over coffee among visionary leaders has now blossomed into a transformative reality. The Davao Oriental State University (DORSU) officially inaugurated its Tarragona External Classes, marking a monumental milestone in this humble town on the East Coast of Davao Oriental.
The Grand Launching ceremony on September 1, 2023, heralded a new era for tertiary education in Tarragona and the wider Province of Davao Oriental in general— a response to the burgeoning demand for quality, accessible higher education. Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr. described this achievement as a realization of a dream, one that recognizes education as a fundamental right, a tool for economic progress, and a means to alleviating poverty.
“This is a dream come true for the people of Tarragona and the entire Province of Davao Oriental. This gives us pride and joy that we now have an institution like this in the Municipality of Tarragona,” Governor Uy expressed with pride. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to DORSU for choosing Tarragona as its new campus location, acknowledging that this collaboration was the quickest path to establish a tertiary education institution in town.
Governor Uy lauded Dr. Roy Ponce, President of DORSU, for his exemplary dedication and unwavering support in making this dream a reality. He foresaw that this momentous occasion would ignite a cascade of development partnerships and unlock numerous opportunities, not only in Tarragona but across Davao Oriental.
The Governor also hailed the steadfast commitment of Tarragona’s Mayor Samuel Uy and Vice-Mayor Nestor Uy, recognizing their vision to provide quality education despite limited resources.
“(This) only shows the honesty of his (Mayor Samuel Uy) leadership that really prioritizes one of the most important foundations of our identity, which is education,” Governor Uy emphasized. “It is indeed true that if we have a community of educated citizens, then it would be like a voyage with an excellent compass.”
Governor Uy, himself a graduate of DORSU (formerly Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology), pledged unwavering support to DORSU Tarragona, driven by his vision to empower every Oriental Dabawenyo through education.
Starting on September 4, 2023, with an initial enrollment of 246 students, DORSU Tarragona will begin holding its classes at the Regional Evacuation Center within the Tarragona Municipal Complex. Three programs are offered on campus: Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), which has 38 students enrolled; Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA), with 31 students; and Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management (BSAM), which has a significant 177 students enrolled.
Posting a challenge at the launching ceremony, DORSU President Dr. Roy Ponce urged the enrolled students to finish their education and stay in Tarragona so they could contribute meaningfully to making the town a more robust and vibrant society. Thus giving back to the very community that has welcomed them and DORSU warmly.
The establishment of DORSU Tarragona is a significant accomplishment towards strengthening educational opportunities in Davao Oriental, demonstrating the local leaders and the university’s commitment to delivering accessible, quality higher education. By Francis Jay Butulan | Photos by JB Rain
