FIRST College empowers Batangas scholars from education to employment

As the education subsidiary of First Philippine Holdings (FPH), First Industrial Science and Technology (FIRST) College prides itself in providing quality education to aspiring and deserving students looking to work in world-class companies located inside the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP). 

With over 1,000 scholars from Batangas, FIRST College continues to produce future-ready graduates trained in specially designed science and technology courses for senior high school, and an undergraduate degree program on Industrial Operations and Management (BS IOM).

FIRST College features an education-and-training scheme developed in partnership with industry locators inside the FPIP. Dubbed as the “Work Immersion Program (WIP),” Grade 12 students get hands-on experience to master the skills needed to excel at work and be globally competitive for prospective careers in the field of electronics, electricity, and mechatronics.

FIRST College responds to industry needs and trends by delivering practical and innovative educational programs, setting students up for success. 

Success stories 

A dream of a stable professional career where she’ll thrive in her chosen field, was one of the main drivers for Angelique Cantos to apply to FIRST College. She then became part of the pioneer batch of Mechatronics Servicing graduates, and now works as a process engineering technician after qualifying for a scholarship program from a German company. 

Looking back, Angelique takes with her the life-long knowledge and wisdom she gained from FIRST College.

“Programming needs decision-making in a way that you have to consider the standards you have to meet. Just like in our everyday lives, we must think of a better way to analyze the possible outcomes of the decisions [we have] to make," she said.

For Crichelle Garcia, physical hurdles did not get in the way of chasing her dreams. Despite being diagnosed with heart disease that hindered her from pursuing her preferred program, she went on to successfully complete her Electronics Product Assembly and Services (EPAS) course under the technical-vocational track. 

Crichelle owes her success to the journey she had with FIRST College. “If we really want one thing, we can do our best, even in impossible ways. I'll assure you that you will always find a way to get it. I'm thankful for what I have and what I am now,” Crichelle shared. 

Supporting the family was the motivation for both Princess Solmiano and Angelo Damian to apply to FIRST College. Being at FIRST College allowed Princess to finish her studies and manage her home-based business, while Angelo gained self-confidence. 

“The program helped me enhance my knowledge. FIRST College helped me develop my career [and] assisted us to find a job that enhanced my talents. It is a great help since I am now providing for my family, and truly, they touched our lives,” Angelo said.

The stories of Angelique, Crichelle, Princess, and Angelo show how learning goes beyond the four walls of the school. And in FIRST College, students can take charge of their future while gaining valuable experience that empowers them for the real world. 

Powered by good

FPH—through FPIP and FIRST College—extends opportunities for underprivileged students from Batangas and other parts of CALABARZON, through its ecosystem powered by good. 

“We want FPIP to be the home of great companies to work for, and that means we're not just putting in the skills, we're not just putting in talents. We're making sure that talents stay. We want to make sure that these students have great employers, too,” FIRST College Chief Operating Officer Kathleen Maria Zeta said. 

In the next four to five years, FIRST College aims to forge partnerships with new and existing locators of FPIP in the fields of IT-BPO, manufacturing, and healthcare to provide learning opportunities for students and a valuable talent base for their partner organizations.

To learn more about FIRST College’s programs and services, visit firstcollege.edu.ph. 

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by FIRST College.