Anihan Technical School in Calamba is stepping up its call for more students to take technical-vocational courses, citing rising demand for skilled workers in the country’s hospitality and food service industries.
The institution, which operates under the Foundation for Professional Training Inc., said restaurants and hotels are increasingly seeking trained personnel, prompting a need to expand its pool of graduates.
Officer-in-Charge Aileen R. Clutario said the program was created to open opportunities for young women who often face financial barriers in accessing specialized training.
She noted that culinary education remains costly, making scholarship support crucial for many aspiring students.
Anihan also prioritizes underprivileged women aged 18 to 23, aiming to bridge education and employment gaps in the sector.
Since its founding in 1986, the school has produced more than 1,500 graduates now working across the Philippines, including CALABARZON, Palawan, Bicol, Ilocos, Bohol, Antique, and Siargao.
Students under its Culinary Arts and Restaurant Services (CARS) program receive full-tuition scholarships supported by donors, partner organizations, and earnings from the Anihan Livelihood Center.
The one-year program follows competency standards set by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, covering cookery, bread and pastry production, and food and beverage services, leading to National Certificate II qualifications.
The school also serves as a TESDA-accredited assessment center, where students undergo formal skills evaluation and certification.
Graduates are often absorbed into partner establishments as kitchen staff, pastry assistants, and line cooks in hotels and restaurants nationwide.
Anihan works with more than 80 industry partners, including Manam, Din Tai Fung, Dean and DeLuca, George and Onnie’s, and Vivere Hotel and Resorts.
According to Maria Senen L. Olmos, Vice-Director for Industry Linkage and Alumnae Affairs, demand from partner companies remains strong, with many requesting workers simultaneously across different locations.
She said the school serves as a bridge between training and employment, ensuring graduates are aligned with industry needs.
Anihan currently has 98 enrollees and aims to reach 240 students this year to meet workforce demand.
The school is also preparing to launch a six-month Pharmacy Assistance Program in partnership with Watsons Philippines, which is expected to open new job pathways for young women.
Clutario emphasized that many young women have strong potential but limited access to opportunities, which the program seeks to address through skills-based training and direct employment linkage.
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