THE House committee on higher and technical education has endorsed for plenary approval a bill seeking to upgrade the Matarinao School of Fisheries (MASOF) into the Eastern Samar Polytechnic Institute of Fisheries and Technology (ESPIFT).
House Bill No. 6785 is authored by Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, along with 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, who is also from the province.
Gonzales welcomed the committee’s approval, underscoring that the measure is a significant step toward strengthening fisheries education and unlocking Eastern Samar’s vast marine potential.
“The establishment of ESPIFT will empower our people with advanced skills and modern knowledge in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine sciences. This is a crucial step toward creating sustainable livelihoods and uplifting coastal and rural communities in Eastern Samar,” Gonzales said.
Originally established in 1967, MASOF has long served as a training ground for technical skills in fisheries. The school is situated in Barangay Matarinao in the Municipality of Salcedo, Eastern Samar.
Under the bill, the school will be upgraded into a polytechnic institute capable of offering higher education programs, expanded research initiatives, and stronger industry linkages.
The proposed ESPIFT will provide undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as technical and short-term courses in fisheries, aquaculture, marine sciences, engineering, and technology. It is also envisioned to serve as a hub for innovation and research in sustainable fisheries and marine development.
Gonzales stressed that the bill aligns education with economic development, particularly for coastal communities that depend on marine resources.
“By investing in education that is directly tied to our natural strengths, we are opening more opportunities for our people and ensuring long-term, inclusive growth,” he pointed out.
The measure also provides for coordination among key government agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), to ensure the effective implementation of the proposed institute.
Gonzales expressed optimism that the bill will gain swift approval in the plenary, citing its potential to drive sustainable development and improve access to quality education in Eastern Samar.
“Through this initiative, we are building a stronger foundation for the future of our province and our people,” he said.
Gonzales has championed improved public access to state-subsidized higher education.
He earlier filed a bill seeking to establish a new College of Maritime Studies at the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) campus in the Municipality of Guiuan.
He also previously filed two separate bills seeking to upgrade the existing ESSU extension units in the municipalities of Balangiga and Arteche into full-fledged campuses.
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