…of Course

Some of us believe that it is more effective to concentrate on a vocational or technical course rather than to study college for such a long time. Just like what happens in Japan. But, we’re not in Japan and we are far comparable to that country. Moreover, we are not Japanese, we are Filipinos, and we have different culture and values that are nature on us.

Consciously, some of us take pride on choosing a course to study in college because they reason out that taking a vocational or technical course will demean their community status, and their ego. The attitude of Filipinos who sense their selves as excellent individuals in a certain aspect – being lofty or feeling superior in a certain field –makes them feel not fitted to a vocational or technician course. Because they believe that their skills and talents are beyond vocational and technical work requirements. The notion of achieving something that is above what is usual – which is I think is somewhat good and important also – is one of the factors that contribute to the societal standards of Filipinos.

There’s a situation in which two old high school friends met in a mall. One of them enters in a college school and the other to a technical school. One ask the other, “What course did you took up?”. The other answered, “Diploma in Electrical Technology.” One instantly added, “Technician course lang, bakit?!”, knowing that his friend was their valedictorian of their class. The other felt derogated when his friend affectedly asked him. Why the word “lang” seemingly been always added to denote that a thing is lesser than to other in what so ever foundation.

In reality, it is sad to say that here in Philippines, a college diploma is very essential – even if it comes from a diploma mill. Knowing, it is necessary for a Filipino to have a college diploma to secure himself a pass to the world of work. However, it would not assure and guarantee him of a bright future especially if there were no efforts exerted to make this real. This is not only possible for those who have college diploma; it is also practically achievable for those who have vocational and technical diploma or certificate.

The only problem with this, is the approach of Filipinos towards vocational work because, it has turn out to be derogating. Unlike in Japan, those who cannot pass the highly competitive entrance exams usually go to technical schools, and they graduate with enough skills to support theirselves. The same situation also happens here in Philippines but of different upshot. The graduates here of a technical or vocational course are not confident of the skills they have learned and acquired – that is, if they really learned and acquired something. It is mainly because of lack in equipments, training tools and materials, the form of education and instruction, and if not limited to the attitude of Filipinos.

For that reason, before this can happen here, just like in Japan, we need to have a revamp of societal values and reform in education. A solution that the government should give an attention. And of course, we must also contribute for it. Because, decisions are in our mind, progress is in our hands, and it’s up to us to action.

Comments

Anonymous said…
sad but true...

i remember when i was job hunting a few years back (and looking through job ads)...every company seemed to require a college degree even for the simplest jobs, the kind of jobs that a decent elementary grad could perform...geez, nowadays even college grads have a hard time finding nice jobs...what more if you're a high school/vocational school grad? most companies won't even give you a chance to prove yourself...

really unfair, but that's how life is today...
Anonymous said…
I have never yet attempted to hunt for a job but this wqs the things I have observed when it comes to what degree you had taken in your stay in school(college) that matters. even those who have masteral or even doctoral degrees find it difficult to land a job in the situtaion of our country today. the only light that I percieved to resolved this matter is to double our efforts to survive - hardworks and positive attitudes matter.

you need to help your self.

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