World Peace Thru Education Foundation (WPTE) is a non-profit, non-sectarian Tesda-registered technical-vocational school in Masinloc, Zambales. Its Founders, spouses Robert and Lydia Collett of Virginia USA teamed up with Asterio B. Elgincolin, then General
Manager of Masinloc Water District and Mrs. Virginia Maldia, former Principal of San Andres High School in conceptualizing a model organization that could help in achieving a level of socio-economic independence for the people of Masinloc Zambales.
Born in Taltal, Masinloc, Zambales, Philippines, Lydia Garcia Ebue Collett immigrated to the US where she met Robert P. Collett. Both are active members of the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church in Virginia, U.S.A. As members of the Mission Committee, they
presented a grant proposal to their church which was approved. The fund financed the lot acquisition and construction of a building where WPTE now stands. The Founders are largely responsible for fundraising and Mr. Elgincolin for general operations. Other
WPTE donors include Catholic groups and individuals based in Virginia, USA.
Inspired by community demands, and in response to emerging needs for technically-trained manpower, a Computer class served as a springboard course for technical-vocational education. In 2008, it held its first graduation of 12 students who earned their Computer
Hardware Servicing National Certificates, (NC II). With the guidance of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), a government agency, WPTE embarked on additional courses in the ensuing years.
WPTE is premised on self-reliance and continuity of operation. Revenue generations are applied to improvements and operating needs. As a Foundation, there is no profit-sharing and no stock ownership unlike in ordinary corporations. It is further premised that
its leadership has to be passed on to younger generation who can nurture its vision and mission.
COURSES / PROGRAMS
WPTE offers the following skills development programs duly approved by the Technical Education and Development Authority (TESDA) and is compliant with the Competency-based training and education system:
- Computer Hardware Servicing, NC II, with 280 nominal hours training duration
- Hotel and Restaurant Services:
- Food and Beverage, NC II , with 356 hours nominal duration
- Cookery, NC II, with 316 hours nominal duration
- Housekeeping, NC II , with 436 hours nominal duration
- Consumer Electronics Services, NC II, with 260 hours nominal duration
- Electrical Installation and Maintenance, NC II, with 402 hours nominal duration
Efforts are underway to upgrade the above courses to National Certificates, Level III and to apply for registration of other in-demand development programs.