I had the privilege of witnessing the launch of the #TAYÓTAYOLaguna campaign by PHINMA Education at the Calamba Tent last April 25, 2023. PHINMA, which is now the biggest education network in the Philippines, has recently acquired two higher education institutions in Laguna: the PHINMA Union College of Laguna (UCL) and the PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna (RCL). The #TAYÓTAYOLaguna campaign aims to highlight the inclusion of these two colleges in the PHINMA network, as well as to forge a partnership with Laguna, which is the birthplace of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. I entered the event knowing that I was witnessing a corporate launch, but I left inspired by the messages of hope that I have heard.
I first heard about PHINMA when I was still in university myself. Our school has a classroom named after PHINMA. I knew even then that this institution invests in education and knowledge, so I was not surprised to hear about their expansion in the Southern Tagalog region. While I am a product of a university in Metro Manila, I am aware of the disparity between the different students in our country. I have been a child sponsor since I was in university, so I am deeply invested in uplifting the state of education in our country, even in my own small way. I am glad that I share the same values with PHINMA.
During the event, I heard that they are proud of their advocacy to provide quality education to the marginalized and the underserved. I was happy to know that they prioritized students from mostly low income families, because these students also deserve to upskill in order to improve their circumstances. Because I was curious about their advocacy, I listened further. I learned that they solved the two major problems which were commonly faced by low income students: expensive and restrictive admissions exams, and inaccessible tuition fees. They also welcome working students and the differently-abled, which is admirable because it truly shows that they foster inclusion and equal opportunity for all. I was excited that this institution, which already has a proven track record in other regions across the Philippines and in Indonesia, is investing in educating Lagunense students.
Because of their awareness that the community must be involved in order to help these students graduate, PHINMA has involved the families of their students by conducting house-to-house visits and teacher training in order to communicate their vision to those who care for the future of our country. They envision a brighter future for Filipino students no matter what their backgrounds, limitations, or competencies are, so they are taking actionable steps in order to keep them in school. They also believe that education is a medium to shape society, and this is evident in the graduates they produce. Their graduates pass the board exams, land jobs within one year of graduation, and communicate effectively with confidence. Without blatantly telling them to serve and prioritize their communities, they train their students to give back to the nation through example. Indeed, when education is used as the means to transform lives and communities, then it is expected that their graduates will also pay it forward and continue shaping society.
Making Lives Better Through Education is the battlecry of PHINMA Education. I believe that they are taking the necessary steps to change lives, mindsets, and communities through quality accessible, inclusive, and effective education. It was an honor to witness their launch at Laguna, and I am excited to witness their growth not just in the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal, but in other regions and countries as well.
Mabuhay!