SAGAY, Camiguin (PIA)–Marking a significant step towards empowering individuals with skills in agricultural crop production, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Camiguin Provincial Office spearheaded the distribution of starter toolkits to 75 beneficiaries in Sagay, here, August 24.
Under the initiative of Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo and Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, TESDA Camiguin Provincial Office granted 50 slots for the “Plant Crops” training and 20 slots for the “Prepare Land for Agricultural Crop Production” program (leading to agricultural crop production NC III).
This effort is part of the 2021 Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) scholarship, with the Bonbon Sagay Upland Farmers Association (BSUFA) as the implementing partner of this initiative.
“From the word employment, dapat kita ma-employ not only on the wage-employed kanang sa mga industry but through self-employed so mao na ang purpose nganong gitagaan mo og toolkit [From the word employment, we should all be employed, not just the wage-employed—those from the industries—but also the self-employed; thus, this is the purpose why you were given toolkits],” said TESDA Camiguin Acting Provincial Director Lonie Gonzaga.
She emphasized that STEP beneficiaries are fortunate, as not all TESDA scholarship programs include toolkits like those provided to STEP recipients. The toolkit distribution aims to equip scholars with resources essential for their agricultural pursuits.
Cultivating skills, prosperity
The training bestowed upon the scholars will equip them with essential knowledge about land cultivation and effective methods for enhancing agricultural produce.
Gonzaga highlighted the importance of this knowledge, particularly in a province where the cost of vegetables can be high. Through improved agricultural skills, beneficiaries can secure their own sustenance while potentially contributing to the local market. She also expressed her hopes for the beneficiaries to achieve success within six months and inspire others through their accomplishments.
For his part, Sagay Mayor Joseph Uayan urged the beneficiaries to value the toolkits and the knowledge they gain through the training. He emphasized, “I hope nga dili ninyo ni ipamaligya. Gituyo na para inyong gamit, kana para magamit na ninyo [I hope that you will not sell the toolkits. They are intended to be used in your areas].”
Ernel Dalura, one of the beneficiaries, conveyed his gratitude upon learning about the program’s implementation in their area.
He expressed, “Dako akong pasalamat tungod kay dako ni’g nakatabang sa atoang mga farmers, atong mga gardeners. Ug usa pud sa ma-improve pa gyud ang mga skill nga naa kanamo ug madungagan pa gyud ang atong kahibalo unsaon pagtanom, pag-atiman niini, ug unsang mga organic fertilizers nga ginagamit sa pagtanom [I am very thankful because this is a big help for us, farmers and gardeners. Also, this can help in improving our skills and adding knowledge on how to plant, how to nurture it, and the organic fertilizers that will be used in planting].”
As TESDA Camiguin continues its efforts to empower individuals with practical skills and resources, the distribution of starter toolkits marks a significant stride towards self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihoods in Sagay, Camiguin. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
Special Training for Employment Program scholars in Sagay, Camiguin, receive starter toolkits from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Camiguin Provincial Office, August 24, 2023, at the Sagay Gymnasium, Sagay, Camiguin. These toolkits will help them in the application of their training in agricultural crop production. (James M. Elaco/PIA-10/Camiguin)
