LEGAZPI CITY – At least 160 students who took up Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Albay thanked Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for helping them complete their training.
The students, who trained at the TESDA-accredited Sunshine International School Foundation in Daraga during their graduation day on Tuesday, said the Cayetanos’ provision of allowance and tool kits encouraged them to do well in their training.
Aira Uy, one of the students who took up dressmaking, said that her newly acquired skills will help boost their family textile business.
“Thank you very much po kila Senador Alan Peter at Pia Cayetano for sponsoring us. I understand po na bukod sa schooling at sa mga gamit, we can receive other benefits through your offices. Sana patuloy nyo pa po suportahan at tulungan ang iba’t ibang school na nag-offer ng TESDA para sa tulad namin na gusto pa makapag-acquire ng additional skills para magamit sa negosyo (Thank you very much Senator Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for sponsoring us. I understand that apart from the schooling and the items, we can receive other benefits through your offices. I hope you will continue to support and help the various schools that have offered TESDA for people like us who want to acquire additional skills to use in business),” she said.
A student who trained in electrical installation and maintenance, Ferdinand Maraño, owns and runs a hotel in Albay. He said even at the age of 58, he still learned a lot through the TESDA program.
The students took up qualifications under two TESDA programs, namely the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).
TWSP is a scholarship program that aims to provide skilled workers in priority sectors — both local and overseas — such as engineering and metals, tourism, construction, and the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.
Meanwhile, STEP trains the students in skills and opportunities for entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities. It also aims to expand their employability and productivity in local communities.
Under TWSP, 47 students took up Dressmaking (275 hours) and Bread and Pastry Production (141 hours) while 108 students qualified in STEP through Bread and Pastry Production (141 hours), Cookery (316 hours), and Electrical Installation and Maintenance (196 hours).
Throughout their training which ran from October to December 2023, the Cayetanos sponsored their tool kits and provided allowances, in partnership with Legazpi City Councilor JP Lee.
During the 2024 budget hearing, Senator Alan also expressed his support to the TESDA family as it works to improve the quality of technical education in the country as well as the mindset of the people about TESDA diplomas. via Connie Calipay/PNA
