AF to expand technical assistance to schools

MANILA, Philippines - The Aboitiz Foundation is ready to provide on-the-job trainings to senior high school graduates under the K to 12 Basic Education Program.

Augusto Carpio III, executive vice president of Aboitiz Foundation Inc., said the foundation is currently providing technical assistance to Subangdaku Tech-Voc High School in Mandaue, Cebu, one of the schools piloting the Senior High School program.

Carpio said they plan to integrate their program in other schools once the Department of Education (DepEd) fully implements the SHS program in 2016.

He said the skills training will depend on the students’ competencies and the work opportunities available in their areas.

“We will train high school students for future employment,” Carpio told reporters during the foundation’s 25th anniversary recently held in Taguig City.

He said their organization will train senior high school graduates on welding, electrical, shipbuilding and baking.

Carpio said they will work with other government agencies such as DepEd and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

He said the Aboitiz’ training program would help poor high school students earn money to finance their college education.

Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the Aboitiz Group, addresses social and economic development needs of less privileged communities, particularly those in areas where Aboitiz companies operate.

It develops and implements projects on education, enterprise development, primary health and child care, corporate donations, and environment.

Earlier, Ramon del Rosario, chairman of the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), said they are looking into adopting the German apprenticeship system to complement the K to 12 program.

Del Rosario said in Germany companies pay the apprentices and they make them do real work.

He also noted that in Germany the technical vocational track is not considered a second class education.