IN PHOTOS: Meet Stephanie, batch 2013

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Meet Stephanie Arpon, high school graduate, batch 2013. 

Stephanie dreams of gaining a college degree in Mass Communication or Hotel and Restaurant Management. Unfortunately, financial constraints are limiting her options come enrollment in June.

For school year 2012-2013, the Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed 21.49 million students in public schools. There were 5.76 million students in high school alone. Stephanie was one of the many fortunate students able to finish a high school education.

While this may seem like a reason for celebration, the situation is far from ideal. Students are worried about their future. Studies show that less than half of all public high school graduates will enter college.

For high school students unable to afford the rising costs of tertiary education, the promise of a brighter future remains elusive. 

Contributing photographer Bart Manoguid chronicled the graduation day of Stephanie to capture the moment of uncertainty and hope.

– Rappler.com

 

Bart Manoguid was a researcher for a news network. He recently quit his job to focus on his passion for photography. Freelancing for almost a year, he shoots mostly street and documentary photography. You can see more of his work on his webpage.