PUP introduces 'Education on Wheels' initiative in Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City. Izzy Lee, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA — The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) on Thursday launched its Education on Wheels (EOW) project in Tatalon, Quezon City in a bid to address the needs of financially-challenged students.

The EOW program, featuring a converted bus-turned-classroom, directly reaches out to students in the community. 

It offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Office Administration program, with classes held once a week on the bus, while the rest are conducted online.

"Dito sa bus natin hindi na sila kailangan mamasahe pa para pumunta ng PUP bagkos ito ay dinadala na natin yung classroom sa kanilang komunidad. Equipped na ‘yan may mga laboratory materials and then meron na ring teacher na kasama sa bus," said Jonathan Florida, program chairperson of Bachelor of Science in Office Administration at PUP Open University System.

Like traditional classes, the EOW requires a report card and other necessary documents. For those who previously attended college in another school, a transfer credential is acceptable.

The initiative, now in its third year, started in Tondo, Manila.

STUDENTS

PUP introduces 'Education on Wheels' initiative in Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City. Izzy Lee, ABS-CBN News 

Despite PUP being known for its affordable tuition, the program aims to reach those who still face barriers to education due to transportation costs.

"Kahit sabihin natin ang PUP ang pinakamurang tuition fee siya rin ay libre, marami pa rin ang di nakaka-avail na mga bata at di nakaka-afford na pumunta talaga sa eskwelahan kahit na malapit yan dahil sa ngayon mataas na rin ang pamasahe," Florida said.

Jalyn Tabas, a barangay official in Tatalon, said that they received 200 applications, with 40 deserving students chosen based on their willingness to complete the course rather than academic grades.

"At first konti ‘yung nag-apply... Meron kaming purok leaders na nagha-house-to-house para malaman ‘yung programa, dumagsa," she said.

Denise Sunga, 47, is the oldest in the class. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to continue her studies while working as a barangay health worker.

"Wala na po akong pangtustos ng pag-aaral sobrang tagal na rin po nu’n kaya lang matagal ko na rin pong gusto ipagpatuloy yung pag-aaral ko," she said. 

Sunga said her family was shocked at her decision to return to school.

"Nahihiya pa nga ako sa mga anak ko kasi mga anak ko third year college tapos ako bumalik ulit ako sa first year... ‘Yung mga kapatid kong mas bata sa ‘kin may mga diploma, kaming medyo matanda na wala pang nakakakuha nu’n kundi gusto ko ako makakamit nu’n," she said.

Alicia Mamorno, a 30-year-old participant in the EOW program, said she previously stopped her studies due to poverty and family problems. 

"'Yung pamasahe napakahirap po talaga niyan... allowance, pagkain sa araw-araw, siyempre may mga projects pa rin pong pinagagawa," she said, 

She said the EOW program provides her an opportunity to help her family

"Maaari ko na pong ibalik sa mga magulang ko ‘yung ginawa nila sa ‘min," she said.

Aside from Tatalon, PUP has also launched the (EOW) program in barangay Payatas and has plans to expand further in the future.