JPC Program Pioneers Free Education to End Illiteracy
Roxas, Oriental Mindoro- Marks a significant beginning in education, John Paul College successfully launched and facilitated the first-ever Free Education program in the municipality last August 2022 entitled FreEd from Illiteracy (Free Education for Parents - A Community Extension Program). Parents who are undergraduate from college, members of the indigenous community, and those working without baccalaureate degree was selected by the management to be the beneficiary of the program. The FreEd from Illiteracy (Free Education for Parents - A Community Extension Program) of John Paul College aims to provide free education among parents may they it be working or engaged in household. Since JPC is exposed in various outreach program in various community, the management decided to offer a free education to poor, marginalized families specially those in far flung areas which are dominated mostly by the indigenous people. This people lack in access in education, social service, health, and other employment. Seeing the situation in the community, John Paul College responded to the call for education which will lead to employment of people. The management headed by Dr. Rosalina S. Andaya, President of John Paul College initiated the project and answer all the financial expenses like tuition fees, miscellaneous fees, including the printing of modules, and other expenses like electricity and water fees. Dr. Ramon E. Woo, Jr. the Vice President for Academic Affairs check and monitor the learning methodology and ensure that students are provided with quality and competent education. The organizational staff ensure that students are able to catch and receive school services in timely and appropriate manner.
The management in cooperation with the barangay through its local officials, ensure that poor and marginalized families have access to quality and free education through FreEd from Illiteracy (Free Education for Parents - A Community Extension Program) of John Paul College. John Paul College, founded in 1998, envision itself as the center of learning and academic excellence in the Province of Oriental Mindoro. It is inspired by the ideas of John Paul II on self-giving, social justice, love of nature, and intellectual toughness as it pursues the formation of a holistic individual living up to the standards of Christian faith.
The community extension service fosters relationships and develops communities through various programs designed to empower individuals via sustained initiatives. The community extension of a higher education institution facilitate the dissemination of educational initiatives that positively influence communities and the environment by delivering services that impart knowledge and technology, hence fostering holistic and sustainable development and empowering individuals. JPC believe that age is just a number, but the drive to innovation and success knows no bounds.
John Paul College embraces and embodies this philosophy exemplified through its innovative BS Entrepreneurship program designed for mothers, fathers, and for everyone who desires a very demure, very mindful and very cutesy personal growth towards a cycle of learning and ambition. The initiative aligns perfectly with John Paul College “The future starts today, not tomorrow” which reinforces the idea that education is not limited to the young but is a continuous journey that enriches families and communities. Aside from availing the program free of tuition, Mompreneurs and Dadpreneurs can also apply in UniFAST and other scholarship program offered by JPC as their additional assistance as long as they comply in the residency requirement. The impact extends beyond individual empowerment, unleashing potentials, reducing unemployed rates, and creating business opportunities while inspiring other people. A program that is not just a program, but a testament to the power of education in boosting the community and stimulating economic growth. Giving a whole new perspective to parents that with the right support, age is merely a stepping stone to success. This program aims to provide a basis for establishing the Free Education for Parents, which aims to be established as the community extension program of John Paul College(JPC) in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. The institution believes that education is important for parents to better provide for the family reducing child delinquency.
Long-term Goals:
The FreEd from Illiteracy (Free Education for Parents - A Community Extension Program) of JPC aims to provide free education to poor students specially the indigenous people who lack access to quality education.
The program aims to provide quality and accessible education for the poor.
The program aims to elevate the standard of living of parents in poor communities through offering free education.
The program aims to improve the level of well-being of poor family
Short-term Targets:
- Provide free education to poor / marginalized individuals specially the indigenous people from far flung areas.
- Increase the number of student attendees daily.
- Facilitate face-to-face and online classes to student
- Conduct assessment to student
- Conduct onsite enrollment to new scholars of BS Entrepreneurship
The FreEd from Illiteracy (Free Education for Parents - A Community Extension Program) of John Paul College aims to provide free education among parents may they it be working or engaged in household. Since John Paul College is engaged in outreach program in various communities in the municipality of Roxas, the managements saw the demand for education among poor individuals and families specially the indigenous people who lack access to quality higher education. The management headed by our President, Dr. Rosalina S. Andaya, decided to offer a free education program through The FreEd from Illiteracy (Free Education for Parents - A Community Extension Program) with to answer the great call of the community for free education. This program which started in 2021, open the learning opportunities among the students. To date, there are 500 enrolled students in the BS Entrepreneurship.
Through the scholarship office, VPAA Office, Office of the Registrar, JPC will select applicants based on the submitted requirements and documents of the student. Grantee will be given and enjoy a four-year full scholarship grant in BS Entrepreneurship program of John Paul College, a competent and indemand program which focus on business, and enterprise. Through the joint effort of JPC and the LGU of Roxas, this program aim to eradicate unemployment in the community, and promote the level of well-being of each marginalize family. Free education is one of the efforts of John Paul College that are able to finish and achieve baccalaureate degree at JPC. Student must finish the entire duration of the program which is four (4) years, and comply with the documentary and academic requirements in order to graduate.
Since 2022, JPC is catering and continuously welcoming parents who wish to continue and achieve baccalaureate degree through The FreEd from Illiteracy program. With a total of 555 enrolled parents in BS Entrepreneurship program, John Paul College is positive in achieving their goal of providing quality education among poor individuals. By Academic Year 2025-2026, we are fervent that this parents, beloved students of ours, and the hope of tomorrow, will soon march for graduation. Through our collaborative efforts with the LGU of Roxas, we can make progress and development happen.
After graduation, students will be endorse and refer to LGU of Roxas and to other national government agency for employment. Other will be endorse to private offices and agency for manpower. Some will be absorbed by John Paul College for manpower / employment. Our graduates will be encourage to join job fairs in order to find other employment. All graduates will be trace and monitor by the school registrar in order to locate and update their employment status.
Students of Entrepreneurship undergo Skills Training in Food Preparation given by TESDA, an agency of the National Government which focus on skills training
