CAPAS, Tarlac — The Lyceum of Capas officially opened Academic Year 2026–2027 with a vibrant “Apertura” celebration held at the Capas Event Center on November 5, 2026, marking a fresh beginning for the municipality’s first CHED-approved local college.
The event, spearheaded by Mayor Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez, College President Paolo Lumanlan, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Luckyhansel Cerezo, commenced with a lively parade from the Municipal Hall to the event center. Barangay captains and 120 pioneer students joined the festivities, showcasing the community’s collective support for the new institution.
The program opened with a symbolic “Breaking the Chains” ceremony led by Mayor Rodriguez, representing the local government’s commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating greater opportunities through education.
In his opening remarks, Cerezo officially welcomed the new academic year, offering words of encouragement to the students. “It is okay to get tired, but never give up on your dreams,” he said.
Lumanlan, in his presidential address, emphasized the institution’s motto: “We Learn So That We May Serve Better.“
Meanwhile, Mayor Rodriguez highlighted the significant contributions of the barangays in establishing and supporting the Lyceum of Capas through their allocated budgets.
The celebration was further enlivened by student presentations that showcased the talents, creativity, and enthusiasm of the Lyceans.
Barangay Captains Honored for Contributions to Lyceum’s First Building
During the same event, the municipal government paid tribute to the barangay captains of Capas for their invaluable contributions to the construction of the Lyceum of Capas’ first building.
Mayor Rodriguez revealed that he had coordinated with barangay leaders to allocate their outreach program budgets—amounting to over ₱2 million per barangay to fund the construction of the institution’s inaugural structure.
The barangay captains wholeheartedly supported the initiative, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to helping Capaseño youth achieve quality education. Their exceptional generosity and dedication to public service were recognized before teachers, government officials, and over a hundred students who participated in the Apertura.
120 Pioneer Students Begin Their Journey
The Apertura also marked a historic milestone for the 120 pioneer batch students of the Lyceum of Capas, who are enrolled in two degree programs: the Bachelor in Public Administration and the Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.
Mayor Rodriguez expressed his hopes for the students’ success, stating, “Nawa’y maging makabuluhan ang kanilang paglalakbay sa Lyceum of Capas kasama ng lokal na pamahalaan sa pagbuo ng kanilang kinabukasan.”
A Historic First for Tarlac
The celebration follows the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) official grant of an initial permit to the Lyceum of Capas on July 2, 2026, making it the first local community college in the entire province of Tarlac to receive such accreditation.
The issuance of the permit authorizes the newly established institution to begin its first phase of operations and accept students. CHED approved two degree programs: the Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) and the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd).
With its official launch, the Lyceum of Capas stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the local government’s dedication to accessible, quality higher education for all Capaseños.
