TESDA to field more mobile classrooms

MANILA, Philippines - More young people from far-flung areas can have the opportunity to undergo technical vocational training.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Joel Villanueva said they are fielding more mobile classrooms in far-flung areas in the country.

Villanueva noted that TESDA received a new bus from Genesis Transport Services Inc. that will add to the fleet of the agency’s classroom on wheels.

“We have just received another bus donation from Genesis Transport Services, Inc. for the skills training, assessment and certification of bus drivers and other skilled workers. With this, more and more Filipinos would benefit from the training programs we are delivering right at the doorsteps of our clients,” Villanueva said.

TESDA has converted the first bus earlier donated by the same company to a mobile classroom complete with computers that are networked, tables, chairs and other supplies needed for the training of its scholars.

The mobile classroom began rolling along communities in February this year with the launch of the Mobile Training Plus Park and Train program and has conducted various skills training programs in the remote barangays in the National Capital Region and Southern Luzon.

A total of 600 individuals have finished their respective courses through the Mobile Training Plus program.

The mobile classrooms offer courses such as Automotive Servicing NC I, Computer Hardware Servicing NC II, Motorcycle/Small Engine Servicing NC II, Consumer Electronics NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Haircutting, Driving NC II, Hilot Wellness Massage, Security Services NC II, Community Disaster Management Program, and Entrepreneurship Appreciation Course with Values Formation.

Genesis operations manager Rely Jalbuna said they are happy to help TESDA in propagating the skills training programs.

Jalbuna turned over the bus to Villanueva in simple rites along with TESDA officials, employees and trainees.

“Strengthening partnership with industry not only enhances the quality of training but also expands the reach of TVET in areas that do not have access to our schools and training centers,” Villanueva said. With the second bus donation, TESDA would be able to conduct more skills training programs in other remote barangays.