PARAÑAQUE CITY, Metro Manila — In a stirring appeal to struggling parents supporting their children through college education, Parañaque City mayor 'Kuya' Edwin Olivarez called on parents to go beyond enrolling their children in college, urging them to help their kids finish what they start.

“This school year, more of our youth are stepping into college classrooms and TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) training centers. But the goal isn’t just enrollment. It’s graduation,” Olivarez pointed out emphatically.

The mayor cited a recent survey report that indicated the Philippines now ranking second in Asia in terms of youth enrollment in higher education and technical-vocational programs.

This spike, he noted, was largely fueled by the national government's initiatives such as free tertiary education in state universities and expanded TESDA support. However, he acknowledged that enrollment figures are just the beginning.

“The real challenge is ensuring that these students cross the finish line. We need parents, families and communities to stand behind their children—not just when they enter college, but all the way through,” he enthused.

'Kuya Edwin' envisions a future where every Parañaqueño family can boast at least one college or TESDA graduate, describing it as their best shot at breaking the cycle of poverty and uplifting their family through
But critics argue that while enrollment numbers may be climbing, the government must also tackle deeper problems: high dropout rates, lack of mental health support, and the burden of transportation, food, and digital access for students from poor families.

Still, the mayor remains optimistic: “Let’s not waste this momentum. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the trajectory of our youth.”