Investing in the Future

A second-generation Austrian-Filipina shares her views on bayanihan, educational parity and opportunities to help

The concept of ‘’bayanihan’’, which is derived from the word bayan, meaning ’community’’, has always fascinated me. In essence, it depicts the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie that inspires Filipinos to come together and help one another in times of need. Growing up as a second-generation Filipina in Austria, I felt as though I had yet to experience such an interesting concept.

The Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society perfectly encapsulates the idea of ‘’bayanihan’’. Organizations such as PACES raise awareness and funds to support those in need. They give a voice to the voiceless and listen to those who have previously been ignored or overlooked. Moreover, they shine light on important aspects e.g. the significance of higher education, the shared responsibility of those who have the capabilities of helping and the ongoing problems of third world countries in the field of education.

Their flagship scholarship program, STEM Scholarship, financially supports students in the Philippines, who wish to pursue degrees in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Thus far, PACES has sponsored two batches of scholars with a total of eight students. Before the launch of the third batch of scholars, PACES had started donating towards the Philippine Technical and Vocational Educational Training System (TVET), which was launched by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

TESDA is a government agency tasked to manage and supervise technical education and skills development in the Philippines. The STEM Scholarship and TVET are a two pronged approach that offers students better opportunities to reach their future goals. They offer a chance for these bright, promising young adults to change their lives. A chance to realize and live up to their full potential.

We Filipinos are known for our love for our country, our nation and our fellow people. PACES creates the ideal gateway to concretize these feelings into tangible solutions.

To this day, a multitude of Filipinos are denied access to education due to economic deprivation and marginalization. According to the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) the attrition rates for universities and colleges in the 2023-2024 academic year are projected at 35.15%. Although slightly lower than the 40,98% of the previous year, the overall student dropout rate has significantly risen since the COVID-19 pandemic. The attrition rate of the most recent graduating batch doubled compared to that of the pre-pandemic students.

The World Bank Group assessed that the complex and multifaceted challenges which the education sector faces, range from poverty, devastating disasters to ongoing armed conflicts and lack of resources and infrastructure. Addressing these challenges will require a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to ensure the future of not simply the students, but more importantly, the Philippines.

In contrast, tuition fees in Vienna are fairly reasonable and affordable. According to the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Forschung), students of all European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) member countries attending public universities are exempted from paying tuiton fees, provided that they have not exceeded the planned duration of their study programme by more than two semesters.

After the two semesters of tolerance, each semester costs 363,63 euros.

STEM scholars are offered about 90,000 PHP, approximately 1500 euro, per year for the coverage of necessary transportation expenses between the scholar’s permanent residence and the place of study up to two times per year, textbooks and school supplies, required school uniforms, a monthly living allowance and tuition fees. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and can easily complete the application process with the steps on the PACES website.

By ensuring that all Filipinos have equal access to education, the country can unlock the full potential of its people and contribute to sustainable development.

Living in a first world country can easily make us grow complacent and unappreciative when it comes to the benefits we have in the field of education. Things that seem a given, are in reality not. We should not lose perspective and forget how privileged we are.

With the PACES #10forSTEMs pledge, we can all support students in need for as low as 10 euro per month. The two cups of Starbucks coffee we give up monthly, may be the lifeline for the less fortunate in the Philippines.

It takes little to help others. So let us all invest in the future.

For more information on PACES and its scholarship program, please visit its web site, Facebook page, or Instagram feed. You can also contact them through office@paces-stem.org.

— By Sarah Jozelle Rojas