High dropout rate of indigent students noted in Pangasinan college

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan –  The three-year-old Pangasinan Polytechnic College, operated by the Pangasinan government, has been reeling from a high dropout rate because most of its students, all scholars, are from economically marginal families and cannot provide for their basic needs, the Inquirer learned Thursday.

Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, president emeritus of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), said the school admits 700 freshmen each year, so there should be 2,100 students enrolled now. 

“We are in our third year, but the total number of students is down to 1,640.  So you can see the attrition rate. Some students eventually drop out of college for the simple fact that they’re extremely poor,” Rovillos told the Inquirer.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: In Pangasinan, homegrown talent shines in museum

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

The PPC caters to poor families from Pangasinan, who do not need to pay tuition and other school fees.

But the students still cannot afford to commute to the campus and pay for basic needs like food and other daily living costs.

“Also, some of them are needed by the family to work, to earn an income already. So instead of going to school, they have to find jobs so they can put food on the table,” Rovillos said.

Rovillos said there were a few cases when students drop out because of unintended pregnancies. 

Article continues after this advertisement

“But from our exit interviews, the majority of those leaving school admit their reason is still financial,” said the president, a history professor who earlier served as chancellor of the University of the Philippines Baguio. 

READ: Marcos signs law expanding aid for college, vocational students

Article continues after this advertisement

The college is trying to solicit support for the living allowances of the scholars, “but as of now, this is very limited,” Rovillos said. 

He said: “For example, we get support from individuals within the capitol. Some are politicians, some are employees of the provincial government. So here and there, we get this support. Some of our co-employees in the province would host them, provide housing for them for free. That’s a big help already.” 

The PPC recently decided to launch a free lunch program for the campus. 

“We solicit from good samaritans to sponsor lunch for a student who needs it. But they do not give the cash. They pay directly to the Capital Resort, which will provide the meals. The students will be given meal stamps so they can have lunch for free,” Rovillos explained.

Thirty students are taking the free lunch and are being encouraged to stay, he said.

READ: New law to benefit needy students from 4Ps families

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Rovillos said most dropouts were taking education and special needs courses./coa