The Philippines needs customer-driven educational institutions

THE PURPOSE OF THE SO-CALLED customer-driven educational organization/institution is to be fully committed in satisfying and anticipating the needs of the students, who are the customers. More than a marketing strategy, this innovative educational philosophy treats the students as partners in developing and delivering quality and pragmatic education (which, in economic jargon, is the product or service offered by an enterprise).

            Being a de facto ‘third world’ country, Philippines, I modestly believe, must seriously consider converting its state universities to be customer-driven educational institutions. For instance, since many Filipinos today want to become call center agent, then schools must also offer course specifically for such a profession. TESDA programs must receive more support from the government—more TESDA centers must be constructed around the country and its programs must be well promoted—for the courses it offers are wanted by many Filipinos who want to assume blue-collar jobs in richer countries.

Also included in the so-called customer-driven educational institution is the introduction of ‘ladderized’ education, diploma courses, ETEAP, and on-line education (distant learning).