The “tech-voc roadmap” of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte has produced a total of 295 graduates for the first quarter of 2017 through the “Iskolar ni Manang Imee” technical-vocational scholarship program.
Though it was launched in 2012 by Gov. Imee R. Marcos, the “Iskolar” program only began including tech-voc courses in 2015.
As of the second semester of academic year 2016-2017, the program has seen 305 tech-voc beneficiaries and 419 under the Sirib Academic Scholarship, both handled by the Provincial Education Department.
Marcos had identified tech-voc scholarships as a prime avenue to uplift Ilocano productivity and allow more people wider economic opportunity, thus preventing them from working overseas as a last resort.
Mary Jane Pascual-Leaño, Provincial Consultant on Education, explained: “The roadmap is a detailed guide to the different tech-voc skills that are in-demand in the province.
“We previously identified those skills based on the needs of employers, existing job opportunities, and the prevailing local livelihood.”
Leaño also pointed out the program was a way of preserving cultural heritage alongside ensuring more stable livelihoods for the locals.
Courses in the program include automotive servicing, beauty care or cosmetology, electrical installation and maintenance, hotel and restaurant services, and technical drafting.
Beneficiaries of the tech-voc scholarship are required to perform 20 hours of community service per semester, in addition to passing all their subjects.
Majority of graduates came from the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades with 163 finishers; 58 from the Marcos Agro-Industrial School; 48 from the Overseas Technical Institute, Inc.; 24 from Igama Colleges Foundation; and two from the Divine Word College of Laoag.
“Tech-voc graduates can get jobs faster here and abroad,” said Governor Marcos. “In our province alone, there’s a dearth of workers in the service sector. Congratulations to all of you, it’s a real joy, and I’m sure this will help your respective families.”
Since 2010, PGIN has shouldered over 3,000 college scholarships, including programs under the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office, namely the Sirib Young Leaders and Sirib Community Leaders scholarships.
These scholarships at present have 194 and 421 beneficiaries, respectively, among a total 1,339 provincial scholars.
