Aparis clears delay in approval of USJR in Ormoc
By Elvie Roa
ORMOC CITY – Vice Mayor Nepomuceno Aparis I has defended himself from criticism blaming him for the delay of the approval of the application of University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) to put up a satellite school here.
Aparis was reportedly blamed for the delay because the opening of USJR would compete with a school which he heads as president.
The vice mayor said the Cebu City based catholic school lacked a necessary requirement in their application, which is the approved conversion of the lot from agricultural to institutional or a DAR clearance, as it is intended to be used as a school site (USJR).
At a press conference, a visibly irked Aparis said, “As an elected official, we are looking for more investors to come in and that by stopping or by differing an application to invest in the city, are not in their vocabulary.”
Aparis said his being president and an investor of one established tertiary schools, Sto. Niño College, in Ormoc is used by some detractors, by putting a stain on the delayed approval of the USJR, as it is perceived as another competitor.
“Blocking an investor like the USJR would contradict to the city government’s advocacy to lure more investors, which is being recognized as The Most Business-Friendly City in the country last 2006.”
USJR has applied to open a school in 2006 when it acquired a track of land from the Larrazabals.
According to Aparis, then chair of Zoning committee Manuel Fiel had told the Larrazabals to follow the due process and comply the requirements needed.
Aparis disclosed that one of the requirements was the approved conversion of the lot from agriculture to institutional. “But this was not submitted as of this press conference.”
