We accomplished some big time stuff yesterday. Our kids are already registered (enrolled) in school for 2009/2010 school year. Two of our kids will study in Ateneo. My goodness I didn’t know how much the high school tuition for the freshmen student until I was ready to pay at the cashiers office. I asked the guy at the counter how much is the tuition for the freshmen student for the entire year. He told me its Php60,474.05. He then gave me the copy of it. My gosh, I can’t believe looking at it that the tuition for freshmen and sophomore were 60k. The junior student its 62k, the senior student is a little over 65k.
Thinking about it, by the time our youngest son (his tuition right now in grade school is almost 44k) would be in senior year the tuition could reach up to 100,000 pesos per year. Wow, that’s really something. Just looking at it right now even though the tuition is so high a lot of people still sent their kids to Ateneo. The thing is, its one of the best schools here in Mindanao anyway. Parents will really dig into their pockets to send their kids to the best school in town.
Our daughter Jean Jean will study in another of the good schools here in Davao. We wanted for her to study in Ateneo, but she doesn’t like to be in Ateneo. She studied there for 2 years and she’s not happy being there. I think too much pressure for her. She will be studying at Davao Wisdom Academy. Not too far from our house and we heard from some people that this school that she chose is good too. Its a private school and not that many students compared to Ateneo. One good thing for her to be there, the school is giving her a scholarship. She got a high score on the entrance exam and she was an honor student at her previous school. We are so proud of her. Honestly it will be good for her self esteem there. After we registered her yesterday, she seemed very happy and excited to be there. The tuition there is just 1/3 of Ateneo high school.
As you all know with the crisis right now that is happening in the world a lot of people really struggle sending their kids to school. Here some parents would even borrow money for their kids education. Back when I was a studying my parents would sell copra, corn and pigs for us to enroll. Still happens right now in the province. I also know some of my family would put their land as collateral just to borrow money for enrollment of their kids. It would be fulfilling for the parents if the kids study very hard and finish the degree.
I wonder if theirs a big decrease of enrollees this year because of the global crisis?
Wow 60k schooling fees.
When I enquired about school fees for LaSalle in Bacolod last year they told me about 30k (my kids will be 7 when they {hopefully} join the school).
Have school fees really increased that much in 12 months, or is it just your school which is more expensive?
As you may know, I'm not actually in the Philippines yet, but I hope to be moving there in May 2010.
I was also told that I need to enrole at LaSalle by June. Is this the same throughout the Philippines, or is it different depending upon location / school etc.
Love the website, very informative….
Hi Bacolod Barry – School fees might be different in every school and place.I guess now I can see from your comment that Ateneo is much more expensive than La Salle. La Salle is also a very good school though. The one I know in Manila anyway, I'm pretty sure the La Salle your going to send your kid with is affiliated with the Manila La Salle. I really thought that La Salle and Ateneo had the same or close enough price range of tuition.
Enrollment time in the Philippines starts mid April until the beginning of June. Classes starts first week of June. Early enrollment for the transferee's and new student will be mid April. Some school requires the new student to have summer school.
Good luck to you guys on your move in 2010. Thank you for stopping by here.
Hi Feyma
Thanks for that.
I was beginning to worry that the school enrollement prices have nearly doubled within the last 12 months 🙂
Looks like I may have to come to the Philippines before May 2010. What a big disapointment eh 🙂
Hi Bacolod Barry – Hey don't worry maybe you could work out with the school on the dates that you want to be here in the Philippines next year. I am pretty sure they will understand your situation.
Not sure of the other school, but the school that my kids go to it always had 8% increase of tuition every year.
Take care.
Hi Feyma!
I agree with you 100%!
We are struggling with tuition fees for our kids this year. The President froze tuition in public schools but she has no power within the private school sector.
I really feel sorry for the OFW families having to struggle on fixed incomes with raising prices. My brother is an OFW in Dubai and he has 3 kids in school. He has decided this year to put his kids in public school as he is trying to build a house.
In the end it is an investment in our children's future to try and provide them the best education possible. As the years go by the employment scene in the Philippines will worsen and only the "best of the best" educated kids will succeed in realizing their dreams.
From one mother to another mother-Good Luck with the school enrollment ( the standing in long lines and the waiting…you know what I mean)!
Last year was Allen's, Josey daughter first year of school I was at a little private neighbor hood school. Paid p500 a month. But I have to tell you I wish they taught upper grades. She can type better than her mother. and memorized a valedictorian speak that I worked with on line in 2 hours. I never could have memorized that long of a speak that fast Oh and it was in English.
Whne I read of your concerns about having to pay 60k tuition for a year of school at a private institution in the Philippines I couldn't help but chuckle. The tuition at a private school not far from where I live is 795k (dollars converted to pesos). Compared to what private school costs in the U.S. you're getting a great deal.
Greetings Feyma: I have not been to Davao, But I have heard that Ateneo is an excellent school. I heard this from my sister-in-law, who was in charge of catechism classes in Ateneo before she retired two years ago. She is a nun with the Cenacle order and still resides in Davao and still give retreats part time. May be you could visit her at their Cenacle House in Davao. I will give you the address if you wish. Since Mother's day is fast approaching ( May 10), I will be sending you an orchid from the gardens of Chateau Du Mer in Boac. I will be addressing it to Bob's e-mail address. But if you are curious now and can not wait for my e-mail, by all means visit,
http://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com
Hi Friend,
I agree with you 200%. My niece is studying nursing in FSUU in Butuan; her per sem is also very expensive, on top of that she’s taking summer classes ‘till May. So, it doesn’t take her 5 yrs in nursing. And by June its enrollment time for 2nd yr… Hay! got no break! But that’s alright, as long as she gets her degree and help her family, I can’t ask for anything else. Is Ateneo American credited school?
Take care…
Wow that is a lot! Specially for secondary education. I went to public schools from Kinder Garten all the way to college. I am of course very proud of all my schools although I did wonder how things would have been if I attended private schools. But my parents struggled bad enough just with the every day 'baon" (lunch money).
When I was in college, my scholarships covered my P12/unit tuition (about P500 per semester). I only had to pay for the miscellaneous fees. (About P25 per sem!) The year was 1999.
I have kids now and one day want them to experience Philippine schooling. I definitely want to give them nothing but the best but I feel the need to show them what and how and where I learned.
Anyway, Im always glad to hear about students doing very good in school.
Give them a good education
So that they can work at Jollibees or send them over seas?? ..A education is only good when that person applies it to their why of thinking . A parent can teach their kids a lot more at home then any place of higher learning will ..So I'll give my wife's boys a education in a school ..weather it is good or bad depend on the person and how he wants to use the knowledge .but I will set them up in a business so they will be supportive in the community,and make their mom proud ,so a kid going to a public school or a private school is only as good as he want to make himself ,wait 10 years after high school and see where they are at,then make a decision 🙂 … I will ….Phil n Jess …PS does Bob show the kids how to operate the internet websites or earn money on line too ??
You know Phil I just read this morning that you have to have a degree to run cash register at the stores. Probably can clean dishes at jollibee's without though.
10 years after high school … and make a decision about what?
Hi Andy – You must have a college degree to pump gas. I'm not sure on Jollibee, but I'd bet they want a college degree too, though.
WEATHER THE EDUCATION YOU SPENT ALL YOUR MONEY WAS WORTH IT..IT THEY ARE AT HOME SPONGING OF THE PARENTS OR DO THEY HAVE GOOD JOBS AND ARE RESPECTED IN THE COMMUNITY THEY LIVE IN ..TIME WELL TELL ..
Isn't it more of a judgment than a decision?
I think gaining "respect in the community" is hardly ever a priority when Filipino parents (specially the poor families) send their kids to school. Of course when one has a job, then he isn't a liability- but an asset.
I believe sending (specially Filipino) kids to school is ALWAYS one step to better an individual's life. Although I have learned (and now start to teach) many valuable lessons at home, in a country like the Philippines where you need "some college" to be a janitor, formal education matters a lot.
Sadly, one can never tell beforehand if your "future lawyer" will make it. But if he does end up wrapping up trash bags in the back room of Jollibee, I don't think a parent would ever say, "it was a waste of money". In fact, I'm sure the parent would wish he did or could have done more for his child.
I believe what we learn in school sets us up for a financially stable life; what we learn at home sets us up for a fulfilling life. IMO, both are essential.
Education matters in a kid's becoming an asset to the society. There should be no question about that. And what is "GOOD education" anyway? I do not think that either ONLY private or public schooling can claim parallelity to "good education". Education is education. It is all good, IMO.
Is private education a plus? In many cases, I believe so. But it does not at all mean "doom" for those whose families can't afford it.
Still, while education unlocks many many doors of career opportunities, it is never the be all and end all of a successful life.
Michelle – thank you very much I enjoyed your comment ..Phil n Jess
and Michelle I enjoyed ur blog too , my sisters knit and crochet Afghans for baby's in our family and friends too ..I enjoyed ur site 🙂 keep up the good work ..Phil n Jess
Phil n Jess- thank you for visiting my blog. Say hi to your sisters and to your Filipina.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!! Feyma
I hope the kids and Bob, pamper you a little today..you deserve it.
Danny 🙂
In a job section on the website for LICEO University in CDO, there were some jobs posted for work in Jollibee locations and they did specify a college degree ! Looking at it from an American point of view that does seem a bit overboard for working in a fast food franchise.
From a Filipino point of view I wonder if these may be highly coveted jobs considering the realities of the job market in The Philippines ? I am not sure what these jobs pay or the benefits that come with them ( yet ) but as many of you know I like Jollibee and continue to learn more about their operations.
By chance, I met a former location mamager of one of the Jollibees in Mindanao ( who has a Masters Degree by the way )who did comment that they are a " good " company to work for.
It just seems quite a contrast between the largest fast food franchise in the USA and one of the most popular ones in The Philippines. Different place, different culture, different job market.
I worked as a crew for Jollibee SM Makati (Franchise) while I was a sophomore in college. I was 18.
Their Standard Operating Procedures are very well written and very very specific down to "how to efficiently peel an egg". And in that franchise they were very strictly followed.
Like many Philippine employers though, they hardly ever regularize employees. They have set very high (almost unimaginable) standards. At least to me. Or I might have just had too much on my plate at the time and could have just been overwhelmed. ^_^ But I have only really heard of one Service Crew that ALMOST passed regularization. They sometimes re-hire after you six month contract.
Like any other job, the crew are at the mercy of the managers. In my time, they did not hire anybody past 23 (maybe 26, as part of the crew). So usually, (although not always) it's the employee's first or second job. And Jollibee is really known (definitely to those who have worked in fast food chains …Manila setting) to give "experience" to the "inexperienced". Give credit to the managers who party with the crew after shift and tolerate (if not encourage) promiscuity. One of my high school classmates even confessed to losing "it" to HIS manager.
The parties after shift did not work for me and I imagine it doesn't to other working students. And in my experience (as maybe the same with most jobs) you are not "cool" if you don't socialize after work. My husband refers to it as "politicking". So I don't recommend Jollibee or any fast food employment as a part-time job for students. Very tempting but very bad idea!
Thanks for your comments. I am learning about the differences in employment between USA and Philippines. I recently visited one of the few Jollibee USA locations. Here in the USA there are age discrimination laws and in the Jollibee USA location I recently visited there was at least one employee " well beyond " being in their 20's. Here as there however most fast food places rely on " part time " employees also.
thats how the philipppines is they want college degrees to work at jolliee bees and to work at a factory also or any job after your early 20s your not able to find a job . alot age discrimination. thats why everyone is hustling on the street or pedling something or has a sari sari or barbecue ! i think an average worker at a dept store probaly makes like 6 dollars a day. my sister inlaw is a midwife she does circumsitions on the side she charges like 150 pesos a kid.poor people cant afford a doctor so they line up to have her do it. she has like 20 yrs experience.she just did like 200 kids in the past couple weeks and she rents out a jeepney and also runs a sari sari store and delivers babys on the side.if she was in the usa she would be a very good buisiness person.
The decision on what to make of one's life is dependent on that person. The parents responsibility is to guide and provide. I would never understand anyone who is a graduate of a premier university in the Philippines and be contented only with taking orders in a jollibee outlet, no matter how good an employer they are. I have yet to find one though, everyone I know who are from the top universities have done good in their lives and their chosen career.
Why employers prefer graduates? It's an economics of "demand and supply". Will you not prefer to hire a grad than an undergrad? The cost would be the same and with his degree, he could probably do the job better than those who have not. If there are more jobs in the Philippines for the graduates, am sure, they would prefer one that fits their career choice. But sad to say, there are very few and competition is stiff, so what choice do they have? If the graduates could hardly find a job, how much more those who have not? So is education a necessity in the Philippines?
Does age really matter? The same theory applies as above, there are a lot of young people around who could run non stop and would not complain of a back pain. But this is only true in certain industries, fast food (Jollibee) as an example and not for senior positions where years of experience, education and EQ counts than physical brute. There is a big wide world out there, Jollibee is not the only company around :), you'll need education though to be competitive.
Oh by the way Feyma, my daughter is also at the Ateneo, 2nd year.
Hi Jo – Honestly with OFW families they are better than the typical families here. As you know the typical families they don't have that much income. They struggle from day to day life. With the OFW at least their families here have some income coming every month.
I think nowadays a lot of parents are leaning towards sending their kids to a vocational school (2 years course). Much cheaper and some of them they will get a job here or abroad quiet easily. For them they want to be more practical. But a lot still go for the 4 year course especially the can afford parents.
Thank you so much for stopping by. For you guys there in the States. School there almost end soon. Have a good summer you guys! Take care and God bless!
Hi Andy Wooldridge – Wow with Php500, thats really a good price to pay monthly. I'm glad that your happy too with the education she's getting from it. Good for you guys.
Nice to see you here. Thank you for your comment. Take care!
Hi David S.- The average families here can't afford to pay the 60k how much more with the 795k per year. They are struggling. Luckily in the States in the public school its free. Here even the public school the parents still have to pay.
We have school here too that the price per year can reach or over 1 million pesos. Do I want to send my kids there? Not for that price. Ateneo is good enough for us.
Thank you for your comment.
Hi David B Katague – Honestly we are happy to have our kids in Ateneo. Its the best school here in Davao. I think even in Mindanao.
You know what when my son went for the retreat before their grade school graduation maybe your sister was there. I might see here sometime in Ateneo.
Thank you for stopping by. Good to see you here. Take care!
Hi Ann – Nursing course is really expensive. Yeah they usually have a summer class. My niece, before she begun her first year nursing in Ateneo she had to undergo summer class first. It sure help her a lot at that time. It turn out to be a disappointment after her second year. Hope for the best for your niece. I am not sure if Ateneo is credited in the States.
Nice to see you here my friend. Thank you so much for stopping by. Take care and God bless!
Hi Michelle – Yeah in the private school here some school really is expensive. But the public school they are not. Your lucky you had a scholarship when you studied before. But with the kids that don't have the scholarship their parents have to work extra hard. Especially those parents in the province, they will send their kids to the city to study with that they have to rent a room to stay and food of course.
Hey I am a product of public school during my grade school and am like you I am proud to be one.
Some Filipinos send their kids back here to study reasons being its cheaper and for their kid to experience living here. Some kids like it some are not. Hopefully when time that you want your kids to experience to study here they will like it. And maybe you will retire here… 😉
Anyway, nice to see you here. Thank you for your comment. Take care!
Hi Phil n Jess R. – Nothing against Jollibee or other establishments here. I think nowadays with the economic crisis a lot of the parents here wants their kids to have a good education and that he/she will work abroad if possible. Honestly thats what I heard from a lot of parents here. Even inside my family member. Good for you for giving a good head start on your wife's children. You should be proud of yourself.
Bob was showing our kids and telling them about our business. So far no takers yet. Hopefully later they will learn and continue what their dad had been started.
Thank you for stopping by!
Hi Andy Wooldridge – Honestly job requirements in the Philippines mostly college graduates or college level. A lot of college graduates here don't have job. They call it here stand by. A lot of them just accept low paying job while waiting for other job interview in a big establishment. Here with one job opening a lot of them are competing.
Thank you for your comment and nice seeing you here.
Hi Danny – Yes I did had good Mother's Day celebration even though the kids were in GenSan with my family there for vacation. Bob made sure I had a good day.
Thank you so much for the nice greetings. Glad to see you here.
Hi mike – On a job hiring here they will say what they want like for EXAMPLE: "College graduate, college level, ages 20-30 years old, good moral character, with pleasing personality etc, etc.."
Guess what people must be okay with it. I haven't heard any complains from anybody. The job seekers just pass their resume and wait. The thing is even if I don't like or agree with it I can't change the 80+ million people. So just lived with it.
Good that your sis-in-law had a side job business. Good for her.
Take care.
Hi Liza B – I think a lot of them work in Jollibee because its easy to get a job there. Some while waiting for the big break they will get job there first. For one here to get a job in big establishment you have to know the high up or a family knows of somebody thats of a higher position there. The People you know is really important here too. You know what I mean. Thats another thing for me to write about later. 😉
Hey my son is going to be freshman soon in Ateneo.
Nice to see you here. Thank you so much for stopping by!
I love their fried chicken with that yummy gravy :), how I missed it.
I agree with you, there's not much around, just have to settle with
whatever is available. It's disheartening that the Philippines have gone down from being second to Japan in the 50's and 60's to being the most depressed and indigent in Asia. We maybe a democratic country, but it's the oligarchs who rule. Martial law, coup d'etat…what's next…nothing happens. Money = Honor + Power, in accounting it simply means Assets = Liabilities + Capital, the similarity is so striking :).
Hi Liza B – Hey maybe its about time for you to come here and visit again the Philippines. 😉
All I can say is WELCOME TO THE PHILIPPINES…. 😉
Hi Liza B – In about a week my kids are going back to school again. Vacation is over for them… My 2 freshmen kids are nervous and excited for the school opening.
Time for your daughter to go back to school too. Good luck to her.
Nice to see you here and take care!
Hi Feyma, this an interesting article…knowing tuition fees. I used to work at the Univ. of San Jose recoletos in Cebu and tuition fees were not that high… I do not know how how it is now. My daughter goes to a private school here in Syracuse, one of the best private schools but it costs us our arms and legs…18,000 USD/school year and goes up as the student goes to higher grade. She will be a 9th grader comes September.
The good thing is lunch is included (buffet style-nice silver ware, 3 kinds of milk, salad bar esp for vegetarian, different menu everyday; desserts and sandwiches at your choice); books are included; laboratory fees, health fees and other miscellaneous like sports uniforms, etc. She plays varsity soccer starting 7th grade.
The maximum students in a class is no more than 15. My daughter took a class where there were only 3 of them…music class- using computer to compose music. the school is really great and 100% graduate high school and most of the grads are going to Ivy league schools. So I am happy but broke..:)
Hi Terry – I studied at San Jose Recoletos in the mid 80's. I am one of the first student of the Electronic Engineering the first year they offered. It was fun. I forgot how much was our tuition though. Gosh, thats been decades ago. 😉
Yes, the tuition in private school there are really high. When we lived there in the States before we sent our kids to a private school the tuition is high too compared to here.
Well, really Bob and I are happy with the school that our kids go to here in the Philippines anyway. Its a bit spendy for the average people here but its okay. We want our kids to go to the best school here.
Like you guys you are also happy with the school where your daughter is. So I guess being a parent we want whats best for our kids though. Even sometimes we have to sacrifice.
Have a good and wonderful summer there! Good to see you here. Take care.
Feyma, I was working there from 1990-93 and got married in 1993. Wow, so you are a Josenian. I love the Recollect fathers and went to high school under the Recollect nuns in Bohol but I graduated from U San Carlos.
Then you are familiar with Ngo Hiong, Carbon market, Freedom Park and the banana cue right outside the gates of USJ? I miss those places and food, esp that it is walking distance to Colon and Gaisano metro. The last time I went home (this January/February), I was told by teh librarians not to go to Colon by myself anymore. Too many pickpocketeers and they not only want your money but your also your pocketbook/purse.
Who was your dean then, Mantos or Evangelista? I was the Law Librarian and was part-time teaching business adminitration.
Best regards, Terry
w0w!!! well, i guess ateneo and la salle will be a dream school for me… i am planning to pursue post graduate schools in either of the two schools.. but now, maybe i'll think of it… ^^
Feyma,
Do you know the cost of Ateneo and Davao Wisdom Academy for the 2013-14 school year?
We are making the final decision this weekend to move to Davao.
Feyma,
Seems Ateneo in a very good school, but my concern is that it is a very large school. Are there other elementary schools in Davao that have a good reputation and are smaller?