THE SILENT EXODUS
Baguio City, up in the cool Cordillera mountains, is famous for its student life and endless search for knowledge. But if we zoom out and look at the whole country, there’s a number that’s honestly a bit nakakabahala: out of every 1.5 million students who finish high school each year, only about 30% actually make it to the finish line with a college degree. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a whole crowd of dreams quietly slipping away, a silent exodus that holds back both personal growth and our country’s progress. Sure, money problems are usually blamed, but maybe it’s time to ask: is it just about the budget, or are our schools and even our own mindsets partly to blame for this big drop-off?
The Lure of Immediate Income vs. Long-Term Gain
Let’s be real: for a lot of Filipino families, the pressure to earn money ASAP is no joke. After high school, many students feel they have no choice but to jump straight into work, even if the pay is just enough for daily needs. When you’re thinking about what to put on the table tonight, it’s hard to focus on dreams for five or ten years down the road. But here’s the thing—while it’s true that immediate income is important, we sometimes forget that a college degree can actually be the ticket out of the endless cycle of ‘isang kahig, isang tuka.’ Are we really showing people the real-life benefits of higher education? Not just the bigger paycheck, but also the new doors it opens, the way it sharpens your thinking, and the better quality of life it can bring? Maybe we need to do a better job of telling these stories, so more students and families see college as a real investment, not just a luxury.
The Questionable Value Proposition of Some Higher Education
But let’s be honest, not all college degrees are created equal. Some schools promise the world, but when you graduate, you might find yourself asking, ‘Paano na ‘yan? May trabaho ba para sa akin?’ There’s often a gap between what’s taught in class and what companies are actually looking for. If students feel that a diploma won’t really help them land a good job or earn more, it’s no wonder they start to question if college is worth the hassle and gastos. This doesn’t mean all schools are like this, but maybe it’s time to take a closer look at what we’re teaching, how we’re teaching it, and if it really connects to the real world. Are we giving students the skills they need, or just handing out diplomas that don’t open doors?
Cultural Influences and Shifting Priorities
Of course, it’s not just about money or the quality of schools. Sometimes, it’s our own culture that shapes our choices. In many Filipino families, especially if you’re the panganay, there’s this unspoken rule to help out as soon as possible. Plus, there’s a certain pride in having practical skills—sometimes more than having a diploma. While it’s good to respect our traditions, maybe we also need to start talking more about how higher education can change lives, not just for one person, but for whole families and even the country. Are we really making lifelong learning something to be proud of, or is it still seen as a luxury for a lucky few?
Conclusion
The truth is, only a small slice of Filipino high school grads actually finish college, and that’s a problem with a lot of layers. Sure, money is a big part of it, but we also have to look at whether our schools are really worth the time and effort, and if our culture sometimes gets in the way. We need to flip the script that says earning right away is the only way, and start showing how a good education can open doors and change lives for the long haul.
Action Points:
Para sa mga estudyante: Think of college as an investment in yourself, not just an expense. Do your homework—look for courses and schools that actually help grads get jobs, not just diplomas. Don’t let today’s money problems decide your whole future. Check out scholarships, find part-time work that fits your studies, and remember: a degree can mean more choices, better pay, and a more fulfilling life down the road.
Para sa mga magulang at guardians: Be your child’s number one supporter when it comes to education. Yes, money is tight, but try to look for all the help you can get—scholarships, grants, or even just advice from others who’ve been there. Talk openly with your kids about their dreams and how a college degree can help them get there. Remind them (and yourself) that investing in education is really investing in a better future for the whole family.
Article by: Engr. Jomel Kawi