Tech-Voc Education and Training as a Mechanism for Social Value and Social Equity for Economically Disadvantaged Filipinos

Abstract

Approximately three out of every four households in the Philippines have not attained a college degree as their highest level of educational attainment. Technical-vocational education and training (TVET) has become an important alternative pathway by providing accessible, affordable, and industry-relevant skills training that prepares individuals for employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. This paper explored how TVET served as a mechanism for social value and social equity for underprivileged Filipinos. There were 18 Filipinos from Zamboanga City, Philippines interviewed about their experiences as TVET graduates. Narratives were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. The findings revealed that TVET generates social value among economically disadvantaged Filipinos. Participants described how acquiring practical skills strengthened their self-worth, confidence, and sense of purpose, enabling them to overcome the social stigma associated with limited formal education. Their competencies earned them greater trust, recognition, and acceptance within their families, workplaces, and communities, while empowering them to contribute through employment, knowledge sharing, mentoring, and community service. In addition, TVET promotes social equity by providing economically disadvantaged individuals with accessible opportunities to acquire industry-relevant skills, secure stable employment, and achieve upward social mobility regardless of their socioeconomic background or educational attainment. The findings emphasized that policies and educational initiatives should consider the contributions of learning in empowerment, inclusion, and social value. It also required the extension of traditional human capital perspectives to recognize that education also enables individuals to transform their acquired knowledge and skills into meaningful contributions that strengthen families, communities, and society.