SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- A total of 521 scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in La Union received training support funds and starter toolkits during the Lingap Serbisyo Caravan held in this city on February 7.

Training allowance was disbursed to some 371 scholars wherein each received a P160 allowance a day multiplied by the actual number of training days as required in their chosen courses.

One of the scholars is Rachelle Anne Donado who is training for Electrical Installation and Maintenance National Certificate (NC) II under a technical-vocational institution accredited by TESDA.

Donado said the allowance is a big help for trainees who are unemployed and do not have a regular source of income to fund their training needs and complete the course.

“Most of the budget, we use it for transportation expenses and meals,” she said.

She added, “We also save some portion of the allowance to buy additional training tools if we will be needing other materials aside from the tools provided by the training center.”

On the other hand, starter tool kits were given among the 150 scholars under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), a community-based specialty training that aims to promote productivity and employment among beneficiaries.

Under STEP, training programs offered are generally short-term or modules based on the Training Regulations promulgated by TESDA.

Its objective is to provide skills and training opportunities for the beneficiaries in the barangays/ communities to make them employable and productive.

Starter kits contain various tools for automotive servicing such as socket, torque, spark plug and combination wrench sets.

TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu noted how the agency helped Filipinos become well-equipped and trained skilled workers ready to serve on the global stage over the years.

"TESDA caters to students from average income to less fortunate families because we want to help every Filipino to realize their dreams and eventually uplift their lives," he said.

He added, "Our skills development programs have brought Filipinos all around the globe, having the opportunity to even work abroad."

He also pledged that TESDA will continue to improve its upskilling programs and shared that they plan to include graphics design and events management to adapt to the needs of today's modern world. (JCR/MJTAB/AMB/CGCC, PIA Region 1)