Entrepreneur and influencer Wilbert Tolentino has officially acquired ownership of the Nazareth Institute of Alfonso Inc., a TESDA-accredited technical and vocational school located in Brgy. Pajo, Alfonso, Cavite.
The acquisition marks a new chapter for the institution, which has seen its enrollment drop from around 600 to just 236 students over the past two decades. Under Tolentino’s leadership, the school is undergoing a sweeping transformation aimed at revitalizing its facilities, curriculum, and community engagement.
During a press call held on October 21, 2025, Tolentino shared his motivation for venturing into education.
“Noong hindi tayo nahalal, ipinagpapatuloy pa rin natin ang ating advocacy,” he said, referencing his campaign with the Ahon Mahirap Partylist. “Isa sa mga original plans is magpapa-accredit dapat ako ng TESDA… pero dahil sa dami ng requirements, naghanap kami ng school na accredited na. Itong school na ito, kinuha namin sa Landbank, repossessed na. Sabi namin, kunin natin ‘to.”
Tolentino’s vision includes modernizing the school’s infrastructure and integrating content creation into its livelihood programs.
“Right now, nakapaglagay na kami ng mga TV sa bawat classroom, in-upgrade na rin ang mga computers. Soon, lahat ng blackboard magiging whiteboard na rin,” he explained. “Gusto natin i-modernize yung curriculum ng pag-aaral ng mga bata.”
The acquisition has also inspired Tolentino on a personal level.
“Hindi po ako nangarap magkaroon ng sariling school,” he admitted. “Pero ito ang naging motivation ko para ipagpatuloy ang aking kolehiyo, makakuha rin ako ng diploma. Bilang influencer, vlogger, at public servant, ito ay para sa scholarship at tulong sa mga magulang na nahihirapan magpa-enroll.”
Local leaders have expressed strong support for Tolentino’s initiative. Alfonso Mayor Randy A. Salamat underscored the value of education:
“Sa lahat po ng kabataan, mahalaga po na makatapos tayo ng edukasyon. At kung hindi kaya, nandito po kami, handa po kaming tumulong sa abot ng aming makakaya.”
Meanwhile, Congresswoman Aniela Tolentino echoed this sentiment: “Kasama nyo po kami sa pag-angat, at kami po ay nandito para suportahan kayo.”
Safety and preparedness are also central to the school’s new direction. Tolentino announced plans to conduct earthquake drills and distribute emergency ‘go bags’ to students.
“In case of emergency, alam nila kung paano gamitin,” he said.
