LOCALS IN ODETTE-AFFECTED AREAS IN CARAGA REGION BENEFIT FROM ‘TESDAMAYAN’

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

As a way to help locals in Caraga Region who were affected by typhoon Odette, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched the ‘TESDAmayan’ program, wherein TESDA trainers, along with other stakeholders, provide technical assistance and construction materials to residents in select areas of Surigao del Norte and teach them how to build their own houses.

According to regional director Rafael Abrogar II of TESDA Region 12, through the trainers, local residents are able to learn carpentry. Apart from providing them means to rebuild their homes, TESDA certificates will also be given to residents actively participating in the ‘TESDAmayan’. “We brought together a team of experts on carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical. Through the community, we gathered a list of who will undergo the actual training on how to rebuild their houses,” said Abrogar.

TESDA Region 12 also conducted assessment on the damaged Provincial Capitol Building as well as the TESDA Provincial Training Center, and necessary logistics were then provided for its rehabilitation.

Beneficiaries of the program were overwhelmed by the support from TESDA. Arturo Santillana, Jr., punong barangay of Punta Bilar in Surigao City, was thankful that their area was able to benefit from the ‘TESDAmayan’ program especially since 9598% of the houses in the barangay were completely damaged.

“Thank you very much to TESDA through the efforts of the City LGU and other government agencies involved in the implementation of TESDAmayan,” said Santillana.

“Thank you for the help from the government. Rebuilding our houses somehow gives us hope that we would be able to start again, and this is really a great help especially for people like me who have disabilities,” said Diosdado Mique, a resident of the said village. (JPG/PIACaraga)