World Peace Thru Education

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 and married 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 grant money financed the lot acquisition and construction of a building where WPTE now stands. The Spouse-Founders took responsibility 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.