by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
"ASU (Main) Alumni Plan and Programs" is the topic of the weekly Kapihan forum at Smokehauz Resto & Bar on February 5, 2011. The guests are Atty. Ariel Gepty, Pres. Aklan State University (ASU) Alumni Association and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, Chairperson, ASU Selection of Outstanding Alumni Committee.
Dr. Villorente mentioned the milestones in the almost century old educational institution established by the American colonial government during the first decade of the 19th century. The premiere agricultural school in the former province of Capiz changed its name several times from Capiz Intermediate School, Capiz Farm School in 1918, Banga Rural High School in 1940, Aklan Agricultural College, Aklan State College of Agriculture, and to the present Aklan State University since 2001.
While the educational thrust of the previous 83 years were firmly focused on agricultural courses and related fields, it was only in the last 10 years that saw remarkable structural transformation. Through the efforts of then Cong. Allen S. Quimpo, ASCA became ASU offering added tertiary and post graduate courses. It has assumed control and supervision over four campuses in New Washington, Kalibo, Makato, and Ibajay. Altogether, it has the biggest student population and number of faculty members in the whole province of Aklan.
Atty. Gepty identified two immediate concerns namely: scholarship for indigent but deserving students and medical mission. He proposed that financially capable alumni be asked to contribute to a scholarship fund. A medical mission to render community services is feasible with the presence of nursing students and help of faculty members.
"The ASU Administration is giving full support and encouragement to our plan and programs," said the active practicing lawyer. Under the Charter, ASU Alumni Assn. is entitled to one seat in the Board of Regents. Association officers have a term of three years.
"For the present, we are pre-occupied with the big event slated on April 25, 2011. This is the Grand Alumni Homecoming. Our highlights are: Approval of proposed Constitution and By-Laws, Selection of Outstanding Alumni (1918-2010), Selection of Outstanding Teachers and Popularity Contest. Also included is the President’s Annual Report and Proposed Plan and Programs," revealed Atty. Gepty.
According to Dr. Villorente, "the quali-fication for the outstanding alumni will be based on the following criteria: Bonafide graduate of Capiz Farm School up to ASU, remarkable achievements and good moral character. Category will be on legal, farming, engineering, agricultural journalism, public service, military and police. Joining the Chairperson in the Committee are four outsiders known for their integrity and professionalism."
While Atty. Gepty’s initiative to sponsor scholarship fund for indigent students is very laudable, this pales in comparison with the uncertainty and insecurity of college graduates seeking employment. Data reveals that 67 percent are unemployed. Some nursing graduates end up as Call Center agents or Caregivers.
The impact of unemployed professionals and their growing number all through the years is a huge burden to the Philippine economy. It is noted that the Jasmine revolution of Tunisia was sparked by Mohamed Bouazizis’ suicide. He was an unemployed professional turned ambulant fruit vendor who was slapped by a Police Officer for having no business permit. This prompted Ben Ali, Pres. of Tunisia to flee the country after 10 days of street protests.
Our agricultural imports especially dairy products are growing at 12 percent per year according to Sen. Chiz Escudero. Nevertheless, our agri-cultural graduates are fast diminishing and pretty soon extinct. Apparently one of the oldest educational institutions in the province has diversified to other lucrative courses like Information Technology, Nursing, Hotel and Restaurant Management and Business Administration.
However, sad to say, according to Ms. Vivian R. Solano, Head Provincial Employment Office, is only 20 percent of applicants for local and overseas employment actually pass the job interview. This means ample preparation on personality, info on kind of job, basic skills and all others must be given due emphasis. By the way RP’s unemployment rate in December 2010 was 7.1 percent.
One of successful agricultural extension projects launched by ASCA in the 1980’s is the Sibaliw Development Project. Funded by USAID and other foreign funding agencies, it transformed a depressed barangay into a thriving, self-reliant community with access road, potable water, irrigation, school and productive farms.
Obviously the above model is captured by the "Palayamanan" concept of DA-Philrice but suffers from inadequate funding. However, Mr. William B. Castillo, Provincial Agriculturist disclosed that all Aklan’s 17 municipalities managed to adopt this project. Funding for agriculture and fishery projects have been devolved to LGU’s by virtue of RA 7160. With a 2 percent of provincial budget, our self sufficiency in food has not been largely met.
Networking among successful alumni for job placement must be established as soon as possible. Another option is to encourage entre-preneurship. The latter appears promising since it creates value in products or services needed by the community. While employment is immensely popular, entrepreneurship creates jobs. Among the sun rising industries are cacao, piña, abaca, and food processing.
An empowered ASU Alumni Association is a welcome development to accomplish overall mission and vision of the institution. It could not be denied it has contributed much to the social and economic progress of Aklan. A grand alumni home-coming invites cheers and congratulation to a venerable institution once known for its agricultural and homemaking tech-nologies now adopting multi-disciplinary courses fitted for the 21st century. However, the need to succeed must be crafting the right strategy for job placement and entre-preneurship, something the government is simply unable to do on its own. /MP
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