Former senator Rene Espina has expressed puzzlement on why the University of the Philippines Junior College in Cebu hasn’t, in a way, “matured,” unlike other schools in the Visayas.

In his August 13 column for the Manila Bulletin, Espina noted that the UP Junior College has been in existence since he was in grade school.

But up to this time, he said only minor improvements have been done to the college so it can accommodate more students.

“Have the Cebuano officials, congressmen and senators shown any interest? The Iloilo University of the Philippines has better facilities than our Junior College,” Espina said.

“Is it a mere coincidence that “Junior College” has not matured until today?” he asked.

Espina said Visayas should have its own State University if Mindanao has one, especially in light of the passage of the free tuition law that is seen to boost enrollment in public universities and colleges.