Tech-Voc, an attractive alternative
to our youth - Angara

"Education is the most important legacy for our youth."

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, speaking at the graduation rites of the Aurora Technological Institute (ATI), inspires the 177 pioneer graduates of the Institute by showing the bright future that awaits them.

"Tech-voc courses are in demand not only in the Philippines but in other countries. Spain, Australia and Canada are all in need of tech skills," said Angara. He added that Canadian government alone is now recruiting welders, bartenders and other tech voc graduates.

With only 2.8 million graduates from our colleges and universities, Angara said that tech-voc will offer students opportunities to take advantage of the growing demand for skilled workers.

"ATI is for the youth of Aurora," he pointed out. To the graduates, "maswerte sila dahil nasa kamay na nila ang kanilang kinabukasan."

The graduates finished trainings in PC operation, Computer Hardware Servicing, Food and Beverage Services, Housekeeping Services, Shielded Metal Arch Welding, English Proficiency, and Consumer Electronics.

Tech-voc education is an alternative to the more than 12 million out of school youths in the country. ATI Administrator Ilovita Mesina emphasized that their students came from very poor families who were unable to send their children to college. Eighty-five percent of the students in ATI are supported by scholarships from the Senator.

Several business owners were present to interview applicants from ATI. Among these companies are Cyber City, a Clark-based call center; Hanjin of Korea; and Engineering Equipment Inc.

Toyota's Rolando Gaspar of the education division was also present to pledged automobile equipment for the automobile curriculum which will soon be offered in ATI. Sen. Loren Legarda likewise donated 1 million to the institute.

Angara started all the major education institutions in Aurora including the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), ATI, and Aurora National Science High School. Even before he was Senator, he donated a land for the Juan P. Angara Elementary School.

Earlier that day, Angara graced the Aurora Day giving a bold message to the people of Aurora that the economic growth of Aurora can no longer be prevented.