BANGUED, Abra (PIA) -- The Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) - Cordillera Regional Office began its rehabilitation support program dubbed as “TESDAmayan” in the province which will benefit the thousands of families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake.
 
The TESDAmayan program provides immediate assistance to families with damaged households by mobilizing its carpentry trainers and trainees in building a temporary concrete shelter to the beneficiaries. Basically, it is a training-cum-production on construction-related courses such as carpentry, masonry and plumbing where their outputs will be given to families with damaged houses.
 
The launching program held in Sta, Rosa here was led by TESDA-CAR Assistant Regional Director Jimicio Daoaten and   provincial directors, and Abra local officials.   

 “This ‘TESDAmayan’ is the agency’s banner program that aims to assist communities affected by any crisis or emergency brought about by natural calamities, disasters, or any other untoward incident which cause displacement to affected residents,” Daoaten said.
 
TESDA-CAR also augmented manpower particularly trainers who will help in the repair and rehabilitation of damaged houses and implementation of construction-related trainings in the affected areas.
 
Amado Jimenez from Barangay Sta. Rosa and an identified beneficiary of a concrete shelter thanked the government for their assistance in building back a safe shelter for his family. His three-story house was totally damaged by the earthquake.
 
“Sa ngayon nakikituloy pa kami sa mga kamag-anak naming kasi hindi pa kami makabalik sa bahay. Kaya maraming salamat sa TESDA kasi makakauwi narin kami pagkatapos ng kanilang proyekto,” Jimenez said.
 
Meanwhile, trainees and  trainers of the Bread and Pastry Production continue to   distribute freshly baked breads to   hundreds of families affected by the   earthquake in the different areas of the province.

TESDA also  turned over to Abra LGU boxes of cookies and breads, juice drinking waters, canned goods and  noodles, as well as  food packs, dried beans, sacks of rice donations  fromTESDA Region III, TESDA Association of Concerned Employees (ACE) CAR Chapter, TESDA Apayao Training Center, and  TESDA  offices in Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province, and the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)