DHVTSU: Reaching out to alleviate poverty through excellent education

Saturday, August 20, 2011

FEW people know that the Don Honoro Ventura Technological State University---an educational institution situated in Bacolor town which is probably the oldest in the Far East---has been going out of its confines to reach out to the poor in far flung areas in a committed move to alleviate poverty through sterling education.

But after DHVTSU president Enrique Baking made the revelation, it can now be told the historic, once upon a time arts and trade college, continues to change the lives of the poorest of the poor, thanks to the unwavering support and dedication of its primary benefactor, Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr.

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“At present, we have 13,000 students which indicate a 28 percent increase in enrollment, a record high. I would like to think that when there is such an increase in enrollment come a corresponding increase of budgetary allocation. But there is no increase in allocation and we operate with stringent resources. That is why we are constrained to put a quota on enrollment in our courses like engineering and architecture, IT and other tech-voc courses,” shared Baking.

He narrates to Sun.Star Pampanga that of those aspiring to study at DHVTSU, only about 57 percent of total applicants are accommodated, again, because of limited resources which similarly is “slowing down” some major development programs.

“So in that situation, we reach out to the other 43 percent through our mobile study clinics done every semester, we bring to them in most areas of Pampanga and neighboring provinces. These are bright but poor students who wish to get good education and later on a job to support their families. Our mindset at DVHTSU under my watch is, if one gets good education, then a job, and then there is poverty alleviation and more opportunities for people. And this has been cascaded to our officials from top to bottom who do their share selflessly,” said Baking.

To augment the limited resources of DHVTSU, Baking disclosed that they tap on non-government organizations, foundations, philanthropists and other benefactors who share their advocacies and mandates.

“We consult our partners on viable programs and job placements of these students. Most of them find jobs after graduation and having been certified, like the ones in the mobile study program. With such a changing and growing culture of dedicated leaders and educators in our ranks, we will be able to reach out to more of them as we continue to search for other modalities of service,” adds Baking.

He concludes with a smile: “We are determined to alleviate poverty by making the programs of the university more relevant and responsive to the clarion call of the times.”