Leyte TESDA graduation, enrollment, jobs fair held

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — Scholars who graduated from 22 TESDA-accredited schools in northwest Leyte, local employers, job seekers and aspiring scholarship beneficiaries converge in Ormoc City during the simultaneous National Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrollment and job bridging day last week.

A graduation ceremony for TESDA scholars was held with each graduate receiving tool kits, depending on their skills training certificates. A total of 1,476 people were also enrolled for tech-voc courses, while 523 of those who graduated applied for jobs, with 34 of them hired on the spot.

TESDA-Region 8 Director Toni June Tamayo told stakeholders present that the national TVET is the agency’s response to President Rody Duterte’s call to reach out all Filipinos. “By bringing scholarship grants closer to those who want to avail themselves of technical-vocational courses and to those who want to find jobs, TESDA is offering another option to achieve prosperity in life,” he said.

Tamayo said TESDA Executive Director Guiling Mamondiong directed to provide employable and productive skills needed by industries, individuals and communities, under various programs of the agency.

Mamondiong said the reform program and development agenda prioritize the indigenous people, OFWs, inmates and their families, PWDs, women, drug dependents, alumni, self-employed and rebel returnees. He also encouraged cooperative members, entrepreneurs and family enterprises to join.

TESDA-Leyte provincial director Loreta Banario assured the public of the continuous implementation of TESDA programs in this part of the region. Though she did not promise to set up a satellite office soon, coordination with the PESO office in Ormoc City is already in effect.

DOLE-8 representative Arnel Malate said the department will assist more people in similar activities, as he urged stakeholders to talk to his office about this matter, because “we have P17 million fund intended to technical and equipment acquisition, although DOLE could not by itself release the money.” (FREEMAN)