TESDA training centers get P4.4M worth of new equipment

MANILA, Philippines - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has received some P4.4 million worth of equipment from Korea’s TongMyung University that will allow its technical-vocational schools and training centers to improve their various technical-vocational training programs.

TESDA Director-general Joel Villanueva formally received the donated equipment from TongMyung University president Dr. Seol Dong-Geun, in turnover ceremonies Monday at the TESDA central offices in Taguig City. Villanueva said 21 of their training centers will be using the new equipment.

“The new training equipment will soon find their way to training centers which will help improve the quality and effectiveness of the programs we offer,” Villanueva said.

Korean officials said they donated new equipment because they support the cause of Philippine education.

Donald Dee, vice chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry who facilitated the donation of the equipment, was also present during the ceremony.

“We are grateful to the TongMyung University for this donation. With new training equipment, our students will be more inspired to learn and to improve the level of their competencies,” Villanueva said.

The donation was covered by a memorandum of understanding between TESDA and TongMyung University signed in November 2011 for the series of shipments of equipment that include computers, sound systems, radicals drilling machines, vertical-type machining centers, shelves, strain meters, CNC milling, static stress meter, television sets, amplifiers, speakers, impact tester, stress measurement apparatus, flat grinding machines, universal milling machine, lathe machines, slotters, chairs, and sewing machines.

Hanjin Heavy Industries, which has a shipyard in Subic, Zambales, provided assistance in the shipment of the tools and equipment from Korea to the Philippines.

“The equipment donated to us will be used for our training programs in automotive servicing, consumer electronics servicing, machining, electrical installation and maintenance, and motorcycle/small engine servicing,” Villanueva said.

TESDA’s training institutions were also beneficiaries of a donation from another Korean school, Sung-Ji Vocational School.