MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Government agencies in Northern Mindanao have launched a series of linked initiatives aimed at widening access to higher education, aligning job training with industry demands, and lifting vulnerable families out of poverty to eradicate child labor.

The region officially expanded its “One Family, One Professional” program during a launch at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines. Initially started in Misamis Occidental province in 2020, the program now spans all five provinces and two highly urbanized cities in Region 10.

The program provides low-income college students with P25,000 per semester, or P50,000 annually.

Henry S. Oaminal, governor of Misamis Occidental and chairman of the Regional Development Council-10, said the program has already supported 7,704 scholars, resulting in 1,878 graduates and 194 board exam passers.

Beneficiaries received an initial P10,000 to cover enrollment expenses.

“This program invests in people — one professional lifts an entire family out of poverty,” Oaminal said.

Students such as Kariela Ortega-Balistoy, a biology major, and Nayo Barakel Araña, a medical technology freshman, said the grant covers critical educational costs and allows them to continue their studies.

To align technical-vocational training with regional labor demands, government, industry, and academic partners also held a sectoral consultation on skills priorities.

Rafael Abrogar, regional director for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, said training centers must shift their focus from “what we can teach” to “what employers need.”

Stakeholders identified priority skills needed in agriculture, construction, health, information and communications technology and tourism.