Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Zamboanga Sibugay recently distributed starter toolkits to 648 beneficiaries of the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), underscoring its commitment to empowering individuals for sustainable livelihoods. 

The distribution represents a significant achievement in the efforts to uplift marginalized and remote communities through skills development, paving the way for enhanced self-sufficiency and community resilience.

The beneficiaries attained national certificates in a range of fields, including plumbing, carpentry, electronic installation maintenance, and driving. Provisions were also made for bread and pastry production, raising of small ruminants for organic agriculture production, and organic fertilizer for organic agriculture production.

Mariel Inso, who completed Bread and Pastry Production National Certificate II, conveyed her appreciation for the skills acquired, highlighting the importance of the toolkits in starting her business. 

“Thank you so much to TESDA for the skills I acquired and for this new oven and baking tools that will help me start my own business,” Inso said.

TESDA Zamboanga Sibugay provincial director Alan T. Bacatan spearheaded the initiative, signifying a concerted effort to pave sustainable pathways for employment and entrepreneurship. 

STEP is a community-based initiative that focuses on developing specific skills tailored to the needs of local communities, thereby enhancing employment opportunities, particularly in entrepreneurial and service-oriented sectors. The goal is to equip individuals in communities with the needed skills to bolster their employability and productivity.

The event stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of TESDA and its partners towards fostering inclusive growth and prosperity in the province. Through initiatives like these, communities are poised to thrive, propelled by a skilled and empowered workforce. (KSA/EDT/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)