CELEBRATING APEX CEBU: STRETCHING POSSIBILITIES FOR WORK AND LIFE

Testimonials, success stories, celebration and high hopes dominated the APEX Cebu 5th Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting and Project turnover. The meeting was held at the ECOTECH Center in Cebu City with 53 participants from various sectors.

Dr. Carmelita T. Dulangon, Assistant Regional Director of DepEd-Region VII, warmly welcomed and introduced the participants, composed of local government officials, school officials, students, parents, and representatives from the local business sector.

Mr. Philip J. Purnell, SEAMEO INNOTECH Programs Manager, articulated the potentials of APEX Cebu schools in as far as techvoc education is concerned. He likened this to the widening of an individual’s horizon. He reminded the participants that it is not a sign of failure on the part of the project if person trained in welding, for instance, does not end up becoming a welder. What the project does, he said, is to open the eyes of students to new career and work possibilities.

Likewise, Mr. Purnell emphasized the importance of tracking and understanding the broader horizon of career preparation and counseling. Career preparation should not be limited to the students’ friends, teachers, and parents but should extend to the entire community and business environment as well. Further, career guidance activities and informed exposure to business and industries are equally significant to bring more work possibilities to students.

Dr. Ramon C. Bacani, SEAMEO INNOTECH Center Director also graced the event to encourage participants to transform APEX Cebu from a simple project to a regionwide-mainstreamed program in DepED Region VII.