College education ‘almost free’ through TESDA

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director general Secretary Augusto "Boboy" Syjuco said yesterday getting a college degree is now very minimal or "almost free" through the "Ladderized Education Program" of the national government.

Syjuco said ladderized education is a relatively new system in the Philippines that allows learners to progress between technical-vocational (Tech-Voc) education and training and college, and vice-versa.

"Ladderized education opens opportunities for career and educational advancement to students and workers," he said.

The program could literally benefit those who cannot afford a college education because of financial constraints, through "scholarship" opportunities.

"Scholarship opportunities for Tech-Voc and college education are now available at TESDA and the Commission on Higher Education, local government units, private companies, foundations and other institutions, and of course through the scholarship program of President Arroyo," Syjuco said.

He said that TESDA has a network of 121 technology institutions all over the country that provide mostly trade-based training courses.

"And these courses are usually offered for free, or for a small fee, at the schools owned and operated by the government," he said.

"However, poor but deserving students who do not have the means to get an education can also avail of these financial subsidies which are open to high school graduates who will be able to meet certain requirements," Syjuco explained.