KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the Soccsksargen region is determined to step up the delivery of its training services through the implementation of its program initiative dubbed “TESDA sa Barangay.”
TESDA Regional Director Rafael Abrogar II, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, said that “TESDA sa Barangay” has already been launched in the province of Sultan Kudarat.
He added that it would be launched in other provinces of Soccsksargen this month or in April of this year.
Abrogar also emphasized that “TESDA sa Barangay” is a priority program of Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, with the primary objective of bringing the services of the agency to the barangay level.
“Gusto ng mahal nating secretary na dalhin ang opportunities for training and skills development doon sa ating mga kababayan na hindi naabot minsan ng serbisyo lalong lalo na ng mga serbisyo ng TESDA,” Abrogar explained.
[Our secretary wants to bring training opportunities and skill development to our compatriots who have not been reached by any TESDA services.]
Through the “TESDA sa Barangay”, the agency will also be working with the local government units in the region to implement the programs of TESDA, the official added.
“TESDA sa Barangay” also complements the Bagong Pilipinas brand of the Marcos administration, which focuses on bringing together all Filipinos and promoting one national identity as keys to addressing disparities and attaining social and economic transformation in the country.
Abrogar pointed out that currently “legworking and coordination meetings” with provincial governments in the region are underway, with some of them already done.
“We are thankful that our partners in the local government units are very open and receptive to the TESDA sa Barangay program,” Abrogar noted.
He also disclosed that designating a community training and employment coordinator (CTEC) in each municipality is one of the strategies that has helped them ensure smooth implementation of the “TESDA sa Barangay” in areas where the program already exists.
The CTEC, which is usually the Public Employment Service Officer, will serve as the direct link between TESDA in the implementation of the program.
Mary Jane Ebron, 30 years old and a resident of Barangay New Barbaza, M’lang, said that the program is a good opportunity for developing the skills, especially of the youth, which could help them find a livelihood or land a decent job.
“Kung mabibigyan man ng pagkakaton, nais ko sanang ma-avail ang skills training ng TESDA pagdating sa baking at driving,” Ebron said.
[If given the opportunity, I would like to avail myself of the skills training offered by TESDA, such as baking and driving.]
She believes that skills in baking and driving can later become an efficient source of income.
Ebron conveyed that the program “is an answered prayer,” especially for out-of-school youths who want to finish school and pursue their dreams of having a good life with a stable income. (SJDM – PIA Region 12)
