For skills dev’t program: Tesda, capitol renew partnership

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to renew the partnership between the province and TESDA for the continued implementation of the Sugbo Kahanas skills development program.

The renewed MOA between the Cebu Provincial Government and TESDA outlines the expansion of the list of beneficiaries for the said program. It also specifies that identified recipients of the Abag Sugbo program, including persons with disabilities, centenarians, guardians, and other family members, will be included as beneficiaries.

During the MOA signing, both parties agreed to implement the technical education and skills development program for the identified beneficiaries.

In her speech during the graduation ceremony of Sugbo Kahanas Season 3, Garcia also announced that the next season of Sugbo Kahanas will be allocated a budget of ?200 million. She explained that the budget increase is due to the addition of two new board members to the Provincial Board, representing the Lone District of Mandaue. With this, the number of Provincial Board Members has increased from 17 to 19.

She further stated that, as the budget for the fourth season of Sugbo Kahanas increases, the ?200 million will be distributed “equitably.”

“No longer an across the board of ?5 million for each board member per district and for the ex-officio,” said Garcia.

To achieve this, she said the Capitol will take into account the population in each district of Cebu, including the Lone District of Mandaue, which will gain a seat in the Provincial Board after the midterm elections.

She also told this season’s graduates that as they acquire new skills, these can transform their lives and change the course of their journey.

“Dili (ni) pinaagi sa inyong regular na paghatag ninyo og salapi… dili pinaagi sa salapi nga mahimong magasto lang,” said Garcia.

The third seasons produced 3,600 newly-graduated scholars. That number brings to a total the 11,561 Cebuano scholars who have benefited from the initiative.

Sugbo Kahanas is the only program in the country where a local government unit invests heavily on the constituents’ skills obtaining and upgrading through free technical-vocational education, significantly bolstering the province's workforce and overhauling the mendicant mentality.

With this, TESDA and partnered training institutions offered free training for 20 programs including heavy equipment operation, computer systems servicing, shielded metal arc welding, electrical installation and maintenance, driving, carpentry and masonry, health and wellness massage, cake making, bread and pastry production, cookery, dressmaking, and others.

TESDA Director Jose Francisco Benitez assured the government that they will remain committed in bringing service to Cebuanos in “providing accessible and quality skills training”.

“We believe that investing in human capital is investing in the future of our nation. Your success will show how effective our programs are and will be the source of hope for future generations,” said Benitez.

Benitez’ message to the graduates entailed about how life-long skills will be an asset in journeying to more opportunities in life.

“Continue to upskill and reskill, embrace innovation, and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the world. The skills you have gained are your foundation, but it is your continuous learning and growth that will propel you towards success,” he added.

Selection of beneficiaries is spearheaded by the 17 Provincial Board members who identify eligible applicants from their respective districts.

Once training begins, scholars are automatically enrolled in the Sugbo Segurado Insurance Program, offering ?100,000 worth of coverage for one year.

Upon completing their courses, graduates are awarded TESDA’s National Certificates (NC-II) and receive starter toolkits tailored to their chosen fields like welding machines for welders, ovens for bakers, and other equipment necessary to jumpstart their careers.

For someone like Michael Tejero, a graduate of the bread and pastry production program, this is his redirection.

After losing the use of one hand in a vehicular accident, Tejero said it was a very difficult time for him because he was the sole breadwinner of his family.

“Wala nako damha nga akong kalisod napun-an pa g’yud kay akong usa ka kamot dili nako magamit,” said Tejero.

“Nakapangutana ko, ngano ako man? Nga naa man koy gibuhi ug wala ko nawad-an og paglaum og akong kinabuhi bisan pa pwerting lisora,” he added.

He added there were no job opportunities left for him not until he was introduced to the Sugbo Kahanas program.

“Ako nakakuha og skills training nga akong nagamit hinay-hinay nga panginabuhi bisan paman ako PWD na,” Tejero shared.

Tejero held on to his belief that nothing is impossible, emphasizing that even though it was a really tough journey, graduating is proof that he can actually do it. (CEBU NEWS)