VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Ilocos Sur, through its Provincial Training Center (PTC) in Candon City, is offering free training on masonry to help workers improve their skills and find better job opportunities.
TESDA has opened 23 slots for the Masonry National Certificate (NC) II program under its Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), with training set to start on March 3.
Qualified trainees will receive free training, a daily allowance of P160, and a free one-time assessment to get their national certification.
To join, applicants must be at least 18 years old, physically fit, and maintain at least 80 percent attendance during the training.
Wendell Botacion, TESDA Ilocos Sur Supervising Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD) Specialist, said this program is just one of many skills training opportunities being offered this year.
Other upcoming courses include Heavy Equipment Operation, Caregiving, Automotive Servicing, Bread and Pastry Production, Welding, and more.
“In TESDA, we implement… discussions with various industries, partners, and stakeholders to identify the necessary skills for specific areas. As a result, scholarship programs are developed, and TESDA allocates funds to implement the corresponding courses,” Botacion added.
TESDA’s goal is to match the training with the needs of local industries and communities, helping people gain skills that will lead to better employment and livelihoods.
TESDA, in partnership with the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, has also opened 444 free training slots for various skills programs in agriculture, construction, information technology, and events management.
So far, seven programs have been completed, 10 are ongoing, and three more will begin soon.
TESDA also offers special training for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in the Provincial Jail and BJMP facilities in Bantay and Vigan City.
A 55-year-old PDL shared her gratitude after completing Organic Agriculture Production NC II and currently taking Housekeeping NC II.
“I plan to start growing vegetables to sell in our community not only to generate income but also to meet our daily needs,” she said.
TESDA remains committed to providing more training opportunities through partnerships with local governments and other agencies.
Interested applicants from the first district of Ilocos Sur can visit the TESDA Ilocos Sur Provincial Office in Vigan City or contact 0915-332-0961. Those from the second district can reach out to the PTC-Candon City office at 0966-476-9480. (CCMT/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
