First Industrial Science and Technology School, or FIRST School, recently opened its doors to aspiring students for School Year 2018-2019. Located in Lopez-led First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), FIRST School offers programs for technical-vocational training to equip students with the necessary skills to be job-ready upon graduation and, in turn, help serve the manpower needs of locators in FPIP. 130 students enrolled for its maiden school year and classes began on June 18, 2018. These students were formerly from public schools in Tanauan City and Sto. Tomas in Batangas and Calamba City in Laguna. “At its core, the inspiration behind FIRST School is driven by the DNA of its owners. The Lopez family has a long history of commitment to education. Inspired by his brother Eugenio Lopez Sr., Fernando Lopez founded what is now University of Iloilo. Eugenio Sr.’s cousin, Victoria Lopez founded what is now FEATI University. Eugenio Lopez Sr. did not need much convincing when he was approached by the late Washington Sycip for a donation to make possible the construction of a building that would become the home of Asian Institute of Management (AIM). Oscar Lopez, the son of Eugenio Sr., made a follow on donation to AIM for the refurbishment of the same building. Today, that commitment to education is alive and well. Kananga EDC Institute of Technology, or KEITech, is a post-secondary technical vocational training center located in Leyte and is an integral part of the corporate social responsibility program of Energy Development Corporation (EDC). Knowledge Channel Foundation has also been providing supplementary education to the country’s primary and secondary public school systems through the power of cable television,” said FPH Senior Vice President and FIRST School President Joaquin E. Quintos IV.

FIRST School covers the basics of industrial science and technology with Grade 11 spent on classroom-based learning followed with the more practical, hands-on experience in Grade 12. The latter industry-focused training will be a full-year immersion program with partner locators to ensure that FIRST School graduates will be ready for work. “We want students who are looking for a more hands-on and practical training versus the more traditional theory-based and academic research-heavy training they will receive from more traditional senior high schools. We want students who are keen to work immediately after Grade 12 to support their families,” added FPH Business Development Manager Luis R. Abad. “And our mission is to make sure that they find their first job while still at FIRST School.” Furthermore, FIRST School’s faculty and staff are trained to be content specialists in their subject areas. They can also participate in regular industry immersions to keep up to date with the latest in business technologies and processes.

“If we know the requirements of the locators, can we set up the school with a tailor-fit curriculum design that most likely results in employment after graduation from Grade 12? We sincerely believe that the answer to that question is yes,” added Quintos.

FIRST School is located at the OASIS Building, First Philippine Industrial Park - Special Economic Zone, R.S. Diaz Ave, Brgy. Sta. Anastacia, Sto. Tomas, Batangas City 4234, Philippines. For inquiries, contact (+63) 917-713-4778 or (+6343) 274-9242 or visit its website at firstcollege.edu.ph and Facebook page at facebook.com/FIRSTCollegePH.

(From left): First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH) President Giles B. Puno, Department of Education Regional Director Diosdado San Antonio, Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili, and FIRST School President Joaquin E. Quintos IV at the inauguration and blessing of FIRST School at First Philippine Industrial Park in Batangas on June 14, 2018