Anihan Technical School, a project of the Foundation for Professional Training, Inc. (FPTI), has requested more technical-vocational (tech-voc) students as the demand for skilled workers in the tourism sector increases.
“Our aim is to help these young women, give them more opportunities, especially if they want to take culinary arts courses, which are very expensive,” said Anihan Technical School Officer-in-Charge Aileen R. Clutario. BusinessWorld in an interview on Thursday.
“We focus on young women, especially young women who are in need, because they have few opportunities,” he added. “It's also a requirement for our industry partners.”
Since its establishment in 1986, Anihan has already produced more than 1,500 students from Palawan, Bicol, Ilocos, Bohol, Antique, Siargao, and other parts of CALABARZON.
“We have this program so that they can achieve their dreams, even if they have a small amount of money,” said Ms. Clutario.
“We really want to give them opportunities because young women if they don't have opportunities, they will get married young,” he added.
According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in the Philippines, one in ten children is at risk of early unionization. The non-governmental organization Save the Children Philippines echoed similar concerns, stressing that 9.7% of girls aged 15 to 19 are married or in a union.
“Especially in remote areas, they just got married. They come from a poor family, then they get married at the age of 18, 17, 16, because they lack opportunities – it's a cycle,” said Ms. Clutario.
“We want to help them, to help them end the cycle of poverty,” he added.
Anihan provides a full scholarship to financially challenged women aged 18 to 23 with the support of donors and industry partners. The proceeds of the Anihan Livelihood Center (ALC) are also used to support the students' education.
The school offers a yearlong program in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Services (CARS). Under this program, students will receive three national level two certificates in Bread and Pastry Production, Cookery and Food & Beverage Services, approved by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Upon graduation, students are automatically employed as restaurant caretakers and caterers, pastry chefs, and sous chefs among 83 partner commissaries, restaurants, and hotels across the country.
Palm Country Club, Manam, Din Tai Fung, Dean & Deluca, George & Onnie's, and Vivere Hotel & Resorts are some of the companies partnering with Anihan.
“We need a lot of students because (industrial partners) all ask for it at the same time,” said Maria Senen L. Olmos, the deputy director of the department that deals with industry communication and academic affairs at Anihan Technical School, during a press conference.
“It's like we're an extension of HR (human resources)… It's how we take care of our colleagues that's why our relationships last,” he added.
A report by staffing company Mordor Intelligence revealed that the size of the tourism market in this country is estimated to grow from $8.41 billion in 2026 to $11.90 billion in 2031. However, the lack of skilled workers remains a challenge to the nation's growth.
Anihan currently has 98 students and aims to reach 240 this year to meet the demand of the sector.
The school will also open its six-month Pharmacy Assistant program, in partnership with Watsons Philippines, possibly in July, to create more career opportunities for young women.
“There are many young girls who are very deserving,” said Ms. Clutario. “They have unlimited potential, but limited opportunities.” – Almira Louise S. Martinez
