CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - At least 50 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in this province were the recent beneficiaries of the skills training and toolkits program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Isabela Provincial Office.

TESDA provincial director Vilma Cabrera said the skills training for PDLs is part of the TESDA’s Special Training and Employment Program (STEP) aimed at providing intervention through skills development by equipping them with skills to uplift their economic status.

Cabrera said the first batch of 25 PDLs completed the Bread and Pastry Production NC II and Electrical Installation and Maintenance courses held at the provincial jail facility in partnership with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

She said that another batch composed of 25 PDLs from the said facility have also undergone dressmaking NC II where they will receive their respective starter tool kits upon completion of the course.

“Through this intervention, we want to give PDLs an opportunity to acquire new skills which they can use when they reintegrate to their respective communities,” Cabera said as she encouraged the PDLs not to stop learning for the betterment of their lives.

The skills training, Cabrera added, would not only keep the inmates busy but also make them productive citizens as they can still earn income and help their families despite being deprived of liberty.

Meanwhile, PESO Isabela Manager Cecilia Claire Reyes said her office will continue seeking the assistance of government agencies in providing livelihood and skills trainings and possible employment opportunities for Isabeleños, including PDLs upon their release to mainstream society and other sectors.

Reyes said PDLs and other interested individuals should take advantage of the services that the government is offering. (ALM/MGE/PIA-2, Isabela)