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AABOT is acronym for Akibat sa Asensadong Bok Tek.  It is an advocacy to uplift the plight of the vocational-technical sector comprising the critical mass of skilled workers of our society through programs that will give them equal, if not better opportunities for advancement even without an academic degree.

What is Vocational-Technical (Voc-Tech)?

Vocational-Technical (Voc-Tech) Studies are short courses and training in vocational and technical skills which are usually non-degree and non-diploma. 

Vocational studies are preparation for jobs that are generally manual or practical in nature.  Traditionally non-academic, the trainings are job-specific skills.  These may include, among others, training in dressmaking, tailoring, bar-tending, beauty culture, care-giving, carpentry, etc.

Whereas Technical studies are specialized trainings in preparation for jobs that are abstract or theoretical in nature.  Just like vocational, they are non-degree  training to  develope skills in a particular group of techniques or technology.  These involve jobs like mechanics, welders, electricians, computer technicians, etc.

Generally, vocational and technical are interchangeable.  Simply, vocational is procedural while technical is theoretical.

Acquired skills without formal education and training rightfully belong to this advocacy.

Truth of the Fact:

In the past, the Philipppines ranked second among Asian nations as having the strongest economies.  Today, our country is down under in the same list (of Asian nations) with the weakest of economies.  Why?  There are hundreds of reasons.  But for AABOT, we could only surmise a few.  First is the very low priority given by government to our “blue-collar” workers who are the backbone of any developing country.  Second is the mismatch of vocational-technical training against the needs of business and industry. And third is the lack of political will to improve and advance the voc-tech sector.

What must  be done?

1.    Work with government to give priority to vocational and technical training in the country.
2.    Review existing laws and mandates with regard to voc-tec  and  update, amend, and/or repeal   
       inconsistencies and relevance, if need be.
3.    Represent the sector in discussions on issues vital to voc-tec.
4.    Enhance the standard of living of the so-called ‘ blue-collar’ workers here and abroad.
5.    Equate process of matching of “white” versus “Blue” Collar jobs.

Who can join AABOT?

Every Filipino, whether here or abroad, can join the advocacy as long as they fully understand and support the belief that vocational-technical education is the key to building a great nation.

National Headquarters

Unit 701, Globe Telecom Plaza I

Pioneer corner Madison Streets

1550 Mandaluyong City

Telefax No. (632) - 531-1347 (Secretariat)

Website

www.aabot.org

E-mail Address

secretariat@aabot.org