Tesda conducts free skills, build-up training to Malungonians

TESDA (Step) Kits distribution – Left, Ms. Cristina Constantino-Lapaz, the Public Employment Service local manager and LGU senior administrative asst. III gestures as a TESDA-STEP official, Congressional Office chief of staff Brend Evangelio and Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ Constantino prepares for the symbolic distribution of certificates and tool kits to some167 youth-beneficiaries of several short term technical courses by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in collaboration with Gen. Santos City School of Arts and Trades in Malungon, Sarangani Province. (Photo courtesy of Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo/ MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)

MALUNGON, Sarangani - A total of 167 youth scholars have succeeded in taking up free technical courses through the Special Training for Employment Program (Step) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), which was highlighted with the distribution of tool kits at the municipal gymnasium here, over the weekend. 

Cristina Constantino-Lapaz, the Public Employment Service Office local manager and LGU senior administrative Asst. III, said the graduation rites of the Rep. Manny Pacquiao-LGU initiated TESDA scholarship training exercises that were made in collaboration with the Gen. Santos City School of Arts and Trades, was participated by at least 137 locals and 30 other youth-graduates from Sarangani’s capital town of Alabel and the nearby General Santos City, as well.

“ I am certain that the TESDA-provided free trainings and short-term courses through STEP would enable to enhance the skills and capabilities of our youth, for them to avail a better spirit. And hopefully, this opportunity would serve a stepping stone for them to upgrade their existing status and move on for a much more potent and better tomorrow,” Lapaz said. 

For his piece, the last timer Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino said the local government had been so far keen enough in taking all of the needed free education programs of the government to guarantee a broad bit of educated youngsters before his term of office will cease in 2016.

Books indicate that the Constantino-led administration, through the support of Pacquiao and the local government’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP), has enabled to partake in some more or less P10M-worth of scholarship grants per year, with an intention to relieve the major cause of poverty which is the lack of education to inland villagers. 

EAP is a local government-provided financial aid to encourage and serve students, specifically of the low income families, to participate in the post-secondary training. 

Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo in the recently held graduation of STEP beneficiaries that was also graced by Rep. Pacquaio’s chief of staff, Brend Evangelio, TESDA provincial dir. Richard M. Amparo, local government officials and DepEd representatives, encourages the youth to study more not only to heighten their own personal living condition, but alike to become instrumental in making up Malungon town as a flag carrier of progress and growth in the province. 

Lapaz said the TESDA spearheaded 14-29 days training that were served in specific hours that are intended to each specified course includes: Tile setting NC II; Service Automotive Electrical leading to automotive servicing NC II; Maintenance and repair audio/ video products and system leading to consumers servicing NC II; Hair Cutting leading to hairdressing, Manicure, pedicure leading to beauty care NC II; Shielded metal arc welding Nc I; Body massage leading to beauty care NC II, and Dress making. Photos courtesy of VM Erwin Asgapo – (MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).