Alicia Vocational School: A Legacy of Vocational Excellence

Founding and Establishment
Alicia Vocational School (AVS) was established through Republic Act 8333, authored by Honorable Santiago P. Respicio, Congressman of the 3rd District of Isabela, and signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramos on July 5, 1997. Its location was formally determined by Resolution No. 153-97 of the Sangguniang Bayan of Alicia, approved by Mayor Ramon M. Reyes on September 11, 1997. The resolution designated Barangay M. H. del Pilar as the official site of the school, a motion spearheaded by Sangguniang Bayan Member Placido E. Simon and seconded by Member Lolito B. Luis, Sr.

Under the leadership of Mayor Ramon M. Reyes, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Alicia secured the necessary documentation from the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS) for its formal opening. Key support came from Mrs. Rosalinda S. Adena, Principal of M. H. del Pilar Elementary School, who facilitated the initial enrollment process and worked with barangay officials to identify the school’s current site.

Operational Beginnings

Enrollment for Alicia Vocational School began in March 1998, with Mrs. Adena assigning Mr. & Mrs. Francisco T. Nicolas, Jr. and Mrs. Rosita M. Lopez to oversee the process. By June 1, 1998, the school officially started operations with 91 students, four teachers, and an Officer-in-Charge. Financial support during this foundational period came from Mayor Reyes, Vice Mayor Norberta Agustin, and Barangay Captain Hon. Lolito B. Luis, Sr., ensuring teacher allowances until December 1998. By 1999, the school received funding through the General Appropriations Act.

Infrastructure Development
Construction of school buildings began in February 1999, with the first classroom completed in October 2002 through collaborative efforts among the Barangay, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and DECS. Over the years, AVS has expanded its facilities to support its growing student population and enhance technical-vocational education.

Mission and Vision
Alicia Vocational School stands as the sole vocational institution in the Municipality of Alicia, committed to developing students’ technical and vocational skills for self-sufficiency and industry readiness. It aims to deliver an exceptional technical-vocational curriculum, preparing graduates to become skilled professionals who can contribute to the workforce or establish their own businesses.

The school envisions creating enterprises aligned with its curricular offerings, such as Bread and Pastry Production, Computer Hardware Servicing, Consumer Electronics Servicing, Beauty Care, and Carpentry. These enterprises serve as training grounds, allowing students to gain practical industry experience while studying and earning. Such hands-on instructional units bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enhancing student competency.

Challenges and Opportunities
AVS faces the challenge of maintaining high passing rates in TESDA competency examinations and ensuring its continued accreditation as a technical-vocational school. To address these challenges, the school maximizes its resources, including underutilized facilities and equipment, and implements innovative programs to support student training and development.

Commitment to Excellence
As a trade school mandated to equip students with higher levels of technical and vocational competency, AVS remains dedicated to uplifting and enhancing its learners’ skills. By fostering industry-academic partnerships and aligning its programs with national competency standards, Alicia Vocational School continues to empower students for meaningful and sustainable careers in the technical-vocational sector.