Sen. Pimentel: Only 15 of 100 Pinoys finish college

Only 15 out of every 100 Filipino schoolchildren are able to finish college, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. revealed yesterday.

He told this year’s graduating class of the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School in Cagayan de Oro that the dropout rate "is very alarming that should be addressed decisively by the authorities."

"Educators tell us that of every 100 pupils who enroll in grade one, only 60 go to grade six. Out of the 60 who get to grade six, only 45 reach fourth year high school. And of the 45, only 15 finish a four-year college course," he said.

He said students quit school due to either financial problems or the heavy intellectual demands of schooling.

"The high dropout rate is a cause for worry, considering the significant measures the government has undertaken to democratize and expand educational opportunities for the underprivileged," he said.

Among these measures are the putting up of more public schools and at least 115 state colleges and universities, and the introduction of free education in secondary schools, he added.

Pimentel told the high school graduates that poverty should not be a hindrance to the pursuit of higher education.

Poor but bright students can pursue college education by applying for scholarships or getting part-time jobs, he said

"Poverty should not hinder your ambition," he stressed. – Jess Diaz