ILIGAN City ― There’s this newly minted “'Colegio” in this city which is a dream true. Or a nightmare after you have awakened from that dream!

And this reminds me of a message printed on a t-shirt: “Follow your dreams ― get back to bed.” Hahaha, but this ain’t no laughing matter really.

I’m talking of this college here called “Colegio de Iligan.” This particular college is “problematic” to say the least. For it had been operating for several years now, without accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education. And some of the students are due to graduate this year!

Yet it is doubtful if these “graduations” are in order. Because like I said it has no accreditation yet from the CHED pending its compliance with its requirements. Like acquiring its own area and building structures.

At present, classes are held in the vicinity of the National Steel Corporation. But this city is locked in a “tug of war” regarding this “ownership” issue with the liquidator representing 10 banks whom this particular steel plant then owed, not to mention another operator then, the Global Steel!

The city’s ownership claim on said steel plant is for unpaid real property taxes amounting to over P4 billion.

It was learned then that this city had operated this particular “Colegio” on the basis of an ordinance from the Sangguniang Panlungsod, never mind if there’s no accreditation yet from CHED! That could come later.

And now comes this big small thing, the accreditation, if it comes, “is not retroactive,” says Jose Zalsos of St. Peter’s College here.

Earlier, Dr. Rolly Cuizon of said “Colegio” said that they are “in the process of complying with the accreditation requirements of CHED.” Meanwhile, those who will be “graduating” in said Colegio are now hanging in the balance of doubt. And what about the time spent there in that institution that has yet to be accredited?

And what about the city’s budget spent there? Critics say the city could have spent “wisely” its funds if it had just embarked on some scholarship program instead of this particular college which isn't accredited at all!

Although, those who studied there for the past few years also did not pay anything for their schooling there.

So like I said at the outset, this particular, “Colegio”' for some is a dream come true even as for others too, it is a nightmare, take your pick!

(Email: norasorino2@gmail.com)