Why Vocational Training Might Save Education In the Philippines
In the Philippines, 81% of senior high school graduates attend college, but up to 35% fail to complete their degree. The regional attrition rates are even higher at 93% in BARMM, 60% in Central Visayas, 52% in Metro Manila, and 50% in Western Visayas. Financial constraints are often cited as the main reason for the high dropout rates, with many students not having the financial means for college education. Many students prioritize employment over education, and there are concerns about the quality of education, including inadequate facilities and unqualified faculty that produce lousy college graduates whose diplomas can't get them jobs.
In the 2025 national budget, the government allocated P127.23 billion for state universities and colleges (SUCs), with P23.38 billion designated for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) program, which funds free college tuition. There were 1,977 higher education institutions nationwide, with 113 being SUCs; 137 local universities and colleges (LUCs); 1,714 private HEIs; and 13 other government schools (OGS), CHED-supervised institutions, and special schools.
The quality of education provided does not always give good returns for students in terms of employability. Many are just diploma mills. In the US, an increasing number of recent high school graduates are skipping college due to rising costs, the availability of well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree, and a growing interest in alternative career pathways such as trade schools and apprenticeships. A recent survey found that one in two students immediately entering the workforce after high school would have liked more exposure to job skills, such as financial literacy (40%). Over a third of graduates surveyed want high schools to teach students "how to think" rather than "what to think" (36%).
High school graduates lack basic skills, such as mathematics, reading, and science, which hinder their ability to engage in complex academic work or meet entry-level job demands. This high dropout rate results in inefficient budgets for Special Unified Courses (SUCs), affecting students and taxpayers.
The Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, signed into law as Republic Act 12063 on Nov. 7, 2024, aims to enhance the Philippines' workforce by encouraging companies to establish apprenticeship and training programs aligned with industry needs. The law allows companies implementing registered EBET programs to deduct up to 75% of their actual training expenses from their taxable income starting in 2028, an increase from the previous 50% deduction.
Removing biases against vocational and technical jobs is crucial. In the US, plumbers and electricians earn more than many white-collar workers, and in Silicon Valley, a substantial number of their billionaires bailed out of college to get on with their careers. While free college education is commendable, the high dropout rate makes it a bad investment for taxpayers. Redirecting budgets toward strengthening early childhood education can yield more substantial and lasting improvements in the education system.
About the Writer
Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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