on
Official Publication of TESDA-Caraga
July 2013 issue
Cash for Training Program a product of Convergence Kabalikat Awards 2013 The provincial government of Surigao del Sur won in 2012 under the local government units category. Will Surigao del Norte makes it this year and bring again the title to Caraga Region?
TESDA-Caraga bids for ISO 9001:2008 Certification TESDA-Caraga is now preparing on its bid for ISO 9001:2008 Certification.
“TESDA is the future of the Philippines�
DSWD-Caraga Regional Director explained the relevance of TESDA to economic development of the country.
C4TP graduate says he is prepared for employment
Cris, one of the 439 graduates of the Cash for Training Program in Surigao del Norte gave his impression to the program. Find out how C4TP prepared him for employment...
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Cash for Training Program (C4TP)
July
For this month of July, the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte have conducted Culmination Activities. In Surigao del Norte, the activity was held on July 3 while Agusan del Norte graduates received their Certificates of Training Completion on July 19...
2013
contents
news
All these and more at SpotLight...
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TESDA-Caraga gears up for ISO certification
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Holcim Phl’s “Galing Mason Awards” seeks new champion
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DSWD Chief: “TESDA is community’s future”
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TESDA-Caraga is on full preparation as External Auditors from TUV SUD are set to visit the office for the audit on the Quality Management System of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008...
The annual search for “Galing Mason Awards” is now open as Holcim Philippines looks for a new champion...
DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Minda Brigoli stressed that with the demands of the present, TESDA has now become the future of every community in the country...
features C4TP gives hope to Agusan Sur victims of Typhoon Pablo
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“I am prepared for employment,” C4TP graduate says
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Affirmed Individually, but likewise firming up collectively
The Power of Convergence
our cover
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More youths benefited from C4TP in Agusan del Norte
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araga Region’s top officials of the DSWD, TESDA, and Local Government Units (LGUs) are among the key leaders towards the successful implementation of the Cash for Training Program (C4TP), in an effort to alleviate poverty in the region...
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20 20 Surigao Norte, Caraga’s 2013 Kabalikat Awards entry
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When diligence is coupled with innovativeness
Cover Story Editorial Team Managing Florencio F. Sunico, Jr., DPA Director Regional Director
“I am prepared for employment,” C4TP graduate says By Robert E. Roperos
Technical Braulio P. Dela Peña, Jr. Adviser ROD Chief Editor-in- Abegail B. Eupeña chief Senior TESD Specialist Managing Chiselo Joiada R. Bernaldez Editor Administrative Assistant III Contributors Robert E. Roperos Joey D. Dauz, Jr. Meriam U. Cultura Layout Consuelo T. Destacamento Artists Mc Franco Zenu Franco
Regional and Provincial Offices Regional Office
- Florencio F. Sunico, Jr., DPA Regional Director ORD - (085) 815-7324 ROD - (085) 341-5220 Admin - (085) 225-3966
Agusan del Norte
- Rodrigo G. De Villa Provincial Director (085) 342-0085
Agusan del Sur
- Joventino D. Aleta
Surigao del Norte
- Liza B. Budtan
Surigao del Sur
- Rey M. Cueva
Dinagat Islands
Provincial Director (085) 343-7278
OIC Provincial Director (086) 826-2592 Provincial Director (086) 211-3397
- June Elizabeth B. Tanquieng OIC Provincial Director
web-based contact details: tesdacaraga.com tesdacaraga.blogspot.com facebook.com/tesda.caraga.1 twitter.com/tesdacaraga tesdacaraga@yahoo.com
Crispiniano Sajor, Jr. delivers his impression during the Culminating Activity of the Cash for Training Program (C4TP) held on July 3, 2013 at Surigao del Norte Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City.
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graduate of the Cash for Training Project (C4TP), a partnership program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) firmly said that the program has prepared him to compete with professionals for employment. Crispiniano Sajor, Jr. from Malimono, Surigao del Norte could not help but express his gratefulness for being one of the beneficiaries of the C4TP when he was able to finish Automotive/ Driving NC II. During the culmination program held on July 3, 2013 at the Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City, Cris was given the opportunity to deliver his impression to the C4TP in front of the 438 graduates, some municipal mayors of the province, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio Sunico Jr., and DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Minda Brigoli. Cris underscored that
when he started the training in February 2013, he thought that job employments are only for those who have earned college degree. …That was nearly five months ago. Now, he is reaping the fruits of what he has sown to prepare him for a better future, as he is about to receive his Training Certificate from TESDA Provincial Training Center in Surigao del Norte. Cris recalled that as he went on with the training, he realized that his skills in Auto mechanics and Driving were totally developed and he is confident that he can already compete with professionals in acquiring jobs because TESDA has fully equipped him – skills, personality, and the right attitude. “At first, I was thinking that employment are only for those who are college degree holders. But I was wrong because the C4TP really addressed my needs in the competition for acquiring a job… not just having a job, but starting and managing a small business that requires knowledge and skills… I am
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infoBit
“ I am confident that I can compete with the rest of the skilled individuals around the globe,” Cris said.
confident that I can do it and I can a Bachelor of Arts degree. compete with the rest of the skilled “A blind but one of the most individuals around the globe,” Cris famous writer named Hellen Keller said. said, ‘The worst thing that could ever Cris added that over the past happen to a person is to have eyes but three months, he has gone through with fail to have a vision’… I believe that the program to grow, build, comprehend God prepared success for everyone. It and learn. Through the power of only depends on the person who knows relations, he has grown socially, how to envision his future,” Cris said, physically and mentally… and through receiving applause from the audience the power of compassionate teaching in the convention center. of their trainers, he is now prepared for He ended up by saying “As employment. what the Lord “Over said, ‘For the past three I know the months, I have plans I have come through for you, plans these doors to prosper to grow, build, you and not comprehend to harm you, and learn… plans to give Through the you hope and power of a future.” relations, I have A s grown socially, Cris went physically and down, he mentally… went to the Through the corner where power of his parents compassionate are sitting and teaching, I can e m b r a c ed say that I am them. The now prepared teary-eyed for employment f a t h e r , here and Crispiniano abroad,” Sajor Sajor Sr. said. kissed his C r i s son as the further said it is audience an undeniable Cris Sajor, Jr. shows his Certificate of Training gives a fact that this is Completion after the C4TP Culmination Program in d e a f e n i n g another step of Surigao del Norte. applause. his vocation which After the will develop his potentials and aptitudes into becoming ceremonies ended and the audience responsible leader of the country. “For started to leave the venue, I got a these, I am forever thankful to TESDA chance to conduct an interview with and DSWD for being the instrument of Cris. When I approached and informed my success next to God,” Sajor added. him of my intention, he did not give Cris ended his speech by a second thought and granted my sharing the quote of a famous writer invitation. Up stage during the interview, Helen Keller, an American author who was the first deaf-blind person to earn Cris was nervous but I told him to relax… I even told him that his experience with
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The Cash for Training Program (C4TP) is in partnership with TESDA and DSWD through the leadership of Sec. Joel Villanueva and Sec. Corazon Dinky Soliman, in support to the mandate of the national government under President Benigno S. Aquino III, particularly in poverty alleviation.
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having the program is worth replicating and that more people were inspired on his speech… Little by little, he managed to relax. As the interview went on, I felt that he is sincere with his answers and like when he delivered his speech awhile ago, I again felt that all what he said came from his heart.
TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. delivers his speech before the 349 C4TP graduates in Surigao del Norte.
I really admired the wit and intelligence of this guy. He knows what he’s talking and he is firm on what he wants. He keeps on thanking to TESDA and DSWD for the blessing he and his family have received. He even said if not with C4TP, he cannot continue his education after high school. “And for these, I am very much thankful to our government,” Cris said. Specifically, Cris thanked TESDA-Caraga and DSWD-Caraga through the leadership of Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. and Dir. Minda Brigoli, respectively. He assured that TESDA and DSWD will live to their expectations and he will do everything
not to fail the government. “I am forever grateful to TESDA-Caraga an DSWDCaraga… I know that the government is spending much for this program… I will not put them down,” Cris said. When asked what is his next move after graduation, Cris said he wants to put up his own machine shop in their town in Malimono so that he can also help others especially the youth of his age to fulfill their dreams and aspirations… and like him, they can be productive citizens of their community. “I just want to give it back to the Lord all the glory and praises for everything He has made that is why I succeeded… By helping others, I know that God will be grateful,” Cris disclosed. The implementation of the C4TP is in partnership with TESDA and the DSWD through the leadership of Sec. Joel Villanueva and Sec. Corazon Dinky Soliman, in support to the mandate of the national government under President Benigno S. Aquino III, particularly in poverty alleviation.
Affirmed individually, but likewise firming up collectively By Joey D. Dauz
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veryone’s too busy, but at least we were able to strike a common time and meet we did during rush hour one early morn at a cozy parlor in Langihan’s Public Market in Butuan City.
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was supposed to interview Ms. Josa Candol first inside the parlor. But because she’s busy at that time tending to her client’s request for hair trimming and coloring, I therefore settled for Mr. Ronnie Erwin P. Gonzaga. Both were sought after by this writer with the hope of milking testimonies from them as representative members of a group organized by the office under the TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP). Mr. Gonzaga, 39 years of age, married and a resident of Baan Riverside in Butuan City said, “I am an itinerant, on-call masseur who got several regular clients to boast.” His passion for massage therapy was awakened while he was still a small boy; his beloved grandpa would tenderly caress and press his body with soothing touch. Afterwards, he would do the same with his grandpa. This went on almost every night before they go to sleep. The experience instilled in him
the belief that massage is indeed therapeutic. Years later, while working as a monitoring staff at the Industrial Timber Corporation in Lumbocan of this city, he was privileged to undergo a free skills training dubbed as foot reflex therapy courtesy of the outreach program of the Department of Education. The said training, which was done only every Sunday, but spanned to about six months, armed him with a more methodical and logical approach of handling with care his clients’ respective therapeutic needs. But having finished at least one year of schooling at the Saint Joseph Institute of Technology in Butuan City under the course Associate in Marine Transportation, and likewise holding credentials such as SOLAS, Seaman’s Book, and Firefighting training, he resigned from his job and tried his luck at the asphalt jungle of Manila in year 2010. His purpose was indeed to go abroad. While waiting, he was again
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privileged to undergo further skills training in Body Massage at the Sto. Niño Parish Building in Caloocan City under the tutelage of trainers from the Asian Touch International. It took him at least 20 days of rigid training until he was confident enough to apply Sweddish massage and other related techniques.
But as fate would not allow him to go abroad and with resources running low, he scoured places in Luneta Park, settled near shipping agencies, and started marketing his expertise through demonstration. Soon, droves of tired and bored seamen sought his services as if he hit jackpot with no less than a thousand bucks per day of income. Only his wife’s call prevailed upon him to stop plying his trade and come home to rebuild his client base. Up to this day, he’s still into massage therapy and striking an average net profit of at least PhP400.00 with enough free time for other personal concerns. He need not worry about his wife’s upkeep as she’s getting a stable income too as a Private
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Secretary to a lady dentist in this city. Armed with Massage Therapy NC II, he can confidently respond to those who would pooh-pooh at him or try to challenge his depth of knowledge in massage. When asked if he regretted not when he resigned from his stable, regular job before, he responded assertively that “I earn more
with my massage skills; I leisurely own my time; and I can easily go places.” Ms. Josa Candol, on the other hand, is likewise married, with five children to feed and support. At 43 years of age, she insisted that life has had always been hard, though it blesses them that perseveres. “I sought education as a working student since Grade 1, but managed to finish only up to 1st year high school.” Finding no better recourse due to poverty, “I started hanging around at a small-time parlor back in our hometown in Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte. Good that, at that time, the all-around gay beautician was hospitable and ‘motherly’ enough to mentor me on how to trim hair, and do pedicure and manicure
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until such time that I have become proficient.” Later, “my elder sister brought me here in this city, where I eventually got married too and settled down for good. Through all these years, I and my family could have been helpless had I not acquired through experience the beauty care expertise. At least, with my income from the parlor and my husband’s regular wage as a jack-of-all-trades employee at a local construction company here, we have managed to stay afloat. My eldest daughter, by the way, who is taking up Business Administration and majoring in Financial Management, would be graduating this school year from the Father Saturnino Urios University here.” In terms of credential, she shared that she had acquired a Certificate of Competency for Beauty Care. This TESDA document, according her, is very important as it officially recognized “my expertise as a technically competent skilled worker.” While the duo are fairly confident of their respective line of technical skills, still they both agree that collaborating with other equally skillful and certified individuals would be far better. The scheme would be synergistic and could boost more income in quantum leap. That’s why, they – Mr. Gonzaga and Ms. Candol – and the rest of those like-minded fellows deemed it beneficial to join ranks and start their own enterprise. Thus, for them, TSTP was the answer . . . and they hope that their initial step would go a long way in alleviating them from the hapless grind of being mere workers in order to become owners of their collective enterprise. For such reason, TSTP was born – first in their hearts and minds – and then in their midst – as a real entity. But that was just the start; the growth is still too far to behold, and it would not happen unless they invest collectively through their toils, tears, and sweat in a sustainable manner.
The Convergence f power o by Chiselo Joiada R. Bernaldez
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ebruary 3, 2012 was a red letter day for Principal II Rey C. Collado. He got up joyful and grateful that morning anticipating the day’s activity that would transpire in the school where he is managing. He said a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord as he was about to report for duty that day. He believed that the perennial problem of lack of chairs in his school will finally be solved. Barely seven months in service in the Butuan Central Elementary School (BCES), Principal Collado has been beset by challenges as the leader of the school. This is his fourth assignment as principal in an elementary school yet when he took office on July 11, 2011. The lack of armchairs posed a major challenge since BCES is the largest elementary school in the Caraga Region in terms of population with more than 5,500 pupils. For ten years, the school just settled with only 2,000 chairs that its maintenance department fixes from time to time just so school children will have a little space if not a complete chair to sit on during classes. Over the years, they were also using desks which were suppose to only hold two pupils but due to the lack of chairs, already held three or four pupils depending on the size of the child not to mention the discomfort it brought to the pupils affecting in one way or another their performance in school. Such a difficult plight for a school who is working very hard to produce responsible, technologically-advanced and productive learners. …Until the BIG day came. Some 6,000 armchairs were turned-over to school beneficiaries in the Caraga Region at the different schools in Butuan City, namely: Agusan National High School (ANHS) with 2,000 armchairs; Butuan City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) with 800 armchairs; Libertad Central Elementary School (LCES) with 400 armchairs; J.T. Domingo Central Elementary School with 300 armchairs; La Trinidad Elementary School with 180 armchairs; Gabriel Elementary School with 210 armchairs; Villa Kananga Elementary School with 140 armchairs; San Vicente Elementary School with 70 armchairs; and the Butuan Central Elementary Schools with 1,900 armchairs. That hopeful day, four government
dignitaries came all the way from Metro Manila to Butuan City to formally turnover the PNoy Bayanihan armchairs to the selected schools in Caraga Region. Secretary Joel J. Villanueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Secretary Armin A. Luistro of the Department of Education (DepEd), Chairman Cristino L. Naguiat Jr. of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Assistant Secretary Michelle D. Go of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officially turned-over the strong and solid armchairs to the school-beneficiaries and in BCES, the 1,900 armchairs are more than enough to respond to the lack of armchairs that perturbed them for so long.
government agencies: DENR, DepED, PAGCOR and TESDA. Through their convergence, the P-Noy Bayanihan Furniture Production Project was created. This Project is aimed at helping the education sector to eradicate the backlog of school armchairs and other furniture requirements of DepEd schools as well as provide livelihood opportunities to communities where the furniture production site is located, which commenced its operation on May 2011. The project specifically aims to: 1) Produce school furniture; 2) Utilize confiscated logs/lumber; 3) Train/develop wood workers; 4) Create livelihood opportunities and; 5) Link tree farmers with school furniture suppliers.
The Birth of the P-NOY Bayanihan Furniture Production Project That momentous day came to pass because of the collaborative effort of four
Project’s Financial Support The Project is funded by PAGCOR with an initial amount of 100 million pesos for its requirements. It aims to estab-
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the Science and Technology Education Center of BCES and is now enjoying her very own P-Noy Bayanihan armchair. She loved her chair very much especially because since she first enrolled in BCES in her first grade up to the third quarter of the school year on her fifth grade, she endured the chairs that she used from the desks which she shared with others to the plastic chairs that easily break until her P-Noy Bayanihan armchair was delivered in her classroom. Now in her sixth grade, she still sits on that same sturdy armchair. When I asked her if her armchair helped her to have a much better performance in school she readily said yes. She shared that having her own well-built and comfortable chair gives her more concentration on her work in school. With her own chair, it also helped her to give more focus on the lessons that her teacher is discussing especially because she sits on it alone and doesn’t have to squeeze herself in, in a desk with other pupils. lish School Furniture Training and Production Centers in at least ten sites all over the country and one of which is the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) in Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur. Source of Raw Materials DENR shall donate confiscated logs and lumbers to be used for the project and source out wood materials from its legal plantations and concessionaires thus, curbing illegal logging operations. DENR-Caraga has estimated about 10,000 cubic meters of confiscated logs requiring P26,335,362.00 for hauling and milling with an expected total production of 2,120,000 board feet of recovered lumbers. With 50% expected recovery rate from the recovered lumbers, the Production site shall work on the 1,484,000 board feet of lumbers to produce 140,000 armchairs. Armchairs production TESDA shall establish new and retrofit its existing facilities to serve as the Center for School Furniture Production and Training. The Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT), as the production site is expected to provide the necessary training for school furniture production and produce armchairs and furniture needed by DepEd schools and continues to do so. The Project Beneficiary DepED shall provide the volume and specifications of armchairs and other school furniture including the locations where they are needed. It shall facilitate the delivery of completed school furniture by providing the list of schools and shall pay for the furniture produced and delivered at an agreed price which shall not be higher than the average pricing for the last two years. The project is still on-going and the aim is to cover the remaining gaps in school armchairs in Caraga. A Great Impact on the Child Kate Russel B. Militante is a pupil of
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BCES fullfilling its mandate BCES envisions to produce responsible, technologically-advanced and productive learners who are ecologically aware and globally competitive in an effective and progressive child-friendly school. It has been serving Butuan City for one hundred twelve years now. Being the largest elementary school in Caraga Region, it continues to touch the lives of thousands of children, mold their minds, cultivate their hearts and reinforce their values for a life-long learning experience. With the many challenges that they face as a school, the P-NOY Bayanihan Furniture Production Project has in one way or another lifted a heavy load on the shoulders of their leaders. Yes, not all problems have been solved, but with this intentional and powerful convergence, it has surely changed the face of the school and its pupils.
gives hope to Agusan Sur P C4T victims of
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By Meriam U. Cultura
Typhoon Pablo
espair… Fright… Hope – were the only things left in the families who were affected by Typhoon Pablo.
pre-identified beneficiaries by TESDACaraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr. in separate ceremonies on February 6, 2013 at Sta. Josefa and April 17, 2013 at Despite the catastrophe, Veruela, both we have seen the Filipino culture towns were “bayanihan”. Individuals and seriously aforganizations have responded fected by tyin the best way they can just to phoon Pablo. show they care, and have given The program is anchored what they have just to ease the on the famous Chinese Proverb: pain and misery of the victims. “Give a man a fish and you feed
affected by the typhoon, namely: Veruela, Sta. Josefa, Trento and Bunawan.
The need for reconstruction is urgent and crucial. TES For TESDA, helping the him for a day. Teach a man to DA’s intervention is necessary victims were made possible by fish and you feed him for a life- – that is, skills training on site. focusing on the affected families time.” In this training, three (3) qualifithrough its programs. Instead of giving directly to cations should be developed to support the manpower for the True to this, TESDA-Car- the beneficiaries of the DSWD’s reconstruction of houses. These aga has fast tracked the imple- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino are Carpentry, Masonry and mentation of the joint project Program (4Ps) the cash incen- Electrical Installation and Mainof DSWD and TESDA which is tive, a portion of its budget was tenance (EIM). the Cash for Training Program transferred to TESDA for funding (C4TP) through its Bangon Agu- of the skills training of the benefi- The skills training on ciaries or their dependents. sanon Training Cum Production these qualifications were conProject. It was just a coincidence ducted on site where trainees are given tool kits and training sup The project has imple- when the program guidelines port fund. They then underwent mented the construction of four were finalized when typhoon a 13-day rigid skills training for core houses at Brgy. Angas, Sta. Pablo devastated some parts of the construction of core houses. Josefa and in Brgy. Sinobong, Mindanao and left some families The trainees were also advised Veruela, all in Agusan del Sur homeless. In Agusan del Sur, to take the National Competen and were turned-over to four four municipalities were severely c a r a g a pulse beat *
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that I have attended the training in electrical installation and maintenance. Now I can install wirings and other electrical assembly. I have other means of earning. Thanks to TESDA and DSWD for this program… May skill na, may tool kit pa! Hayahay!” (Aside from the skills I acquired, I still received tool kits! Great!), she said.
core houses constructed at Brgy. Angas, Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur. Nanay Lilia is a mother of eight who can only partly see because of her cataract but after seeing the blessings she received, she happily remarked, “nalipay gayud ako bisan hanaphanap na akong panan-aw apan klaro gayud nako nga nakabarog na ang akong balay“ (I am very happy although I can only partly see but I have clearly seen that my house is already erected), she said. She never thought that she could build a new house like this and as fast as this. When the event happened and her house collapsed, she knew it would take days, months and even years before she could rebuild her shanty.
Nanay Lilia recalled, “Sa pagkahitabo, wala gayod ako magdahum nga makapabarog og usab sa akong balay. Kay ingon sa akong anak nga tua sa Cebu The Benefi- di nalang magtukod og payag kay magbalhin-balhin na lang ciaries ko sa balay sa akong mga anak pero dili gyud ko gusto mu-ipon TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. posed with trainees who constructed the houses. og puyo sa ila kay gusto gayud T y p h o o n nako nga naa’y akong kaugalincy Assessment and were given Pablo left gon bisan og payag-payag lang.” training on entrepreneurship. the four of them homeless on (When the incident happened, December 4, 2012. They knew I did not expect that I can conthey have to start all over out struct my house again. Accordfrom where the typhoon had left ing to my child who is in Cebu, The Trainees behind… and that was with al- I will not construct my shanty A total of 87 trainees most nothing. Months after that anymore and I will just stay in graduated from the three qualifi- terrifying morning, new houses the houses of my children and I’ll cations. were given to them for free. just transfer from one house to Jeanie Castillo, a train- Life’s been very good to another. However, I don’t want to ee in EIM said she is fortunate these two old widows: Nanay live with them because I want to to have been chosen as one of Lilia and Nanay Titay, who are have my own home even if it is the trainees. “I am very proud lucky beneficiaries of the two only a shanty).
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Widowed for 43 years now, she had tried to give the best for her eight children. Seven of her children graduated high school and one finished college. She wanted to give them a good life by giving them proper education. She didn’t want them to be like her who finished only elementary education. When her shanty collapsed because of typhoon Pablo, she knew that it will not be easy for her and her children who have their own families too, to reconstruct her shanty. It will take time before it will be realized. Now that she received Two beneficiaries of the C4TP housing project show their “thumbs up” signifying their satisfaction and her new house in a matter of appreciation for the housing project they received from TESDA and DSWD. two months, she joyfully says, a typhoon was in 1979 but that added. “Salamat gayud kang PNoy, salamat sa TESDA, salamat sa was not as destructive as Pab- Nanay Titay continued, DSWD ani nga programa kay na- lo. When her house collapsed “Kung ako lang ug ang akong tabanagan gayud ako” (Thanks that dreadful morning, she was mga anak ang saligan, siguro much to PNoy, thanks also to not sure if she could rebuild dugay-dugay pa jud matukod og TESDA as well as the DSWD for her house quickly. If she could balik ang akong balay. Karon inthis program because it helped rebuild it, it would take them gon sa ako sa akong mga silinmonths, even years, before she me). can finish her house because gan nga Doña na daw ko tungod they have to start all over again kay dili lang payag ang gihimo since her farm was also dam- kung dili balay gayud. Daghan An instant Blessing for Nanay aged by the typhoon. kaayong salamat sa Ginoo sa Titay paggamit sa DSWD ug sa TES After that disaster, her DA aron kami matabangan” (As Cristita A. Albior is 64 children offered for her stay for me and my children, maybe it years old and became widow in with them and fully abandon her will take more time for us to con2000 with eight children who are house. But she really wanted to struct our house again. Now, my all married now. Despite their reconstruct it from what was left neighbors are saying that I am meager income as farmers, they of it because of a sentimental like a rich woman because I almanaged to send their children value from her late husband. ready have a house and not just to school even until high school a shanty like before. Thank God only. “This house built for me is for using DSWD and TESDA for an answered prayer”, said Nanay Nanay Titay said she Titay. “Wala gayud nako damha helping us. didn’t expect to experience a nga sa ingon ani kadali maka- Most Affected Barangay strong typhoon like Pablo that hit baton ako ug bag-o nga balay’” their place on December 2012. (I did not expect that I was able BaranThe last time they experienced to own new house this fast), she gay Sinobong Turn to page 14... c a r a g a pulse beat *
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S p o tL
People, places and TESDA-Cara Cash for Train Culminatin
A beneficiary from the province of Surigao del Norte receives his toolkits from Placer Mayor Felimon V. Napuli assisted by TESDA Regional Director Florencio Sunico (center) and DSWD Regional Director Minda Brigoli (2nd from right), and witnessed by Provincial Social Services Officer Rosemarie Catelo (extreme left).
Surigao del Norte
July 3, 2013 Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City
CEREMONIE
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events captured by aga roving lens ning Program ng Activities Agusan del Norte
July 19, 2013 Budget Foods Convention Center, Butuan City
Graduates in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) are shown here with officials of TESDA, DSWD and some provincial officials of Agusan del Norte. They received complete welding gears and a welding machine for every 10 graduates during the Cash for Training (C4TP) Culmination Activity.
ES PROPER
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C4TP gives hope... from page 11
school.
pay ug pagpasalamat sa TESDA. Salamat sa mga Trainees sa is one of the seriously affected Her family depends on C4TP sa paghimo ninyo sa akong barangays in Veruela, Agusan farming as their source of living. del Sur. Many houses were totally Now that typhoon Pablo has de- pamilya og nindot nga balay” (At destroyed. Several families lost stroyed it, she cannot imagine first, I was so worried why my attheir means of living as farmlands what their life would be since tention was called by our Brgy. were heavily damaged. Many they have to start all over again, Captain. But when I knew that I trees were uprooted by typhoon all the more she cannot send her am one of the recipients of core houses, I am very much happy Pablo and pre-cut logs were car- children to school. and thankful to TESDA. Thanks ried by floodwaters and smashed Merlie is a native of Sino- also to the trainees of the C4TP into this “clean and green” mod- el barangay on December 4, bong and it was the first time for making my family a beautiful shifting the river course and that their barangay experienced house), Merlie said during the the disaster like Pablo had done. turn-over and awarding ceremodestroying nies. farmlands. S t r o n g winds blew Pa, grateful off roofs to the and walls of project houses and other structures and mud flowed “Salamat quickly. Forkaayo niiining tunately, the dakong talives of resbang kanako idents were ug sa akong spared from pamilya gikan danger. sa TESDA ug DSWD”, (Thank you to TESDA and DSWD for this A housegreat help for keeper’s me and my terrible family), deexperience TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. (2nd from left) handed in the ceremonial key to a clared Mario with Pablo beneficiary of the C4TP housing project. Also in photo are Provincial Officials of Agusan del Sur. C. Ballion, a 32 year-old father of a She recalled that on that mornnine-month old baby from Purok Meet the 38 year-old ing, most houses including hers 6, Sinobong, Veruela, Agusan mother of seven children… Mersubmerged into waist-deep muddel Sur whose house was totally lie I. Echavez. She said because damaged by the typhoon. of poverty, she cannot send all dy floodwaters. her children to school. Her el- “Sa una, gikuyawan ko Mario and her pregnant dest child stopped studying dur- ngano gipatawag ko ni Kapitan. ing second year high school. The Apan pagkabalo nako nga usa wife are staying in a tent as temsecond is only grade five and the ako sa napilian nga makadawat porary shelter after Pablo dethird child has graduated high og balay, dako kayo akong kali- stroyed their Turn to page 15...
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house. “Kung akong income lang jud ang saligan, di pa jud ko makapatukod og balay nga sama ani labi na karon nga hapit na maduha ang akong anak” (If we have to depend on my income, I cannot afford to construct a house like this especially now that my wife is my wife is about
to deliver our second child), Mario further remarked. “Daghan kaayong salamat sa tanan nagmugna ani nga program labi na jud sa TESDA, DSWD, ug LGU” (Thank you very much to all who have organized this program especially TESDA, DSWD, and the LGU), Mario added.
Future recipients Soon to receive their new houses are the two widows from Cuevas, Trento, Agusan del Sur, Maria Cuevas, 76 years old with nine children and Condrada S. Cinco, 77 years old with 12 children.
More youths benefited C4TP in in Agusan Agusan del del Norte Norte C4TP by Robert E. Roperos
M
ore
youths from Agusan del Norte have availed and finished the Cash for Training Program (C4TP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
After the culmination program in Surigao del Norte on July 3, 2013 where a total of 439 benefi ciaries h a v e finished the said p r o gram, another set of 409 beneficiaries from Agusan del Norte received their Training Certificates on Friday from TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio F. Sunico Jr. and DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Minda Brigoli, represented by the agency’s Chief of Operations Angelita Amista.
phasized that the true meaning of quality output is through the skills acquired by the graduates, saying that if the beneficiaries were able to understand deeply the true meaning and essence of the program, they can be productive workers in the future having quality output through the skills they acquired.
In his speech, Dir. Sunico em-
“For those
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Whendiligence
is coupled with
By Joey D. Dauz
innovativeness
When Aljon P. Ampo graduated from the
Candelaria Institute’s high school in Cabadbaran City back in March 2008, he felt he had nowhere to go due to lack of monetary resources to continue to college. Thus, when he heard about a technical scholarship opportunity dangled by TESDA, which is dubbed as Private Education Student Fund Assistance, he wasted no time and grabbed it right away. He took up Computer Programming NC IV at AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) College in Butuan City and graduated by December 2008 with a National Certification. Little did he know that Mr. Alan L. Atega, ACLC College’s School Director, was just observing him all this time – first as a student, and then as an on-the-job trainee. And he concluded that Aljon got the diligence factor that could be a material asset to the school. Following such gut feel, Mr. Atega took him first as a contractual fellow for about one year, and gradually offered him to be a probationary employee the day he turned 18 years old on the 9th day of October 2009. Eventually, he became a permanent employee of the school. Too young indeed, but he has obviously become part of energizing the government coffers by paying his contributions regularly to agencies such as SSS, PagIBIG, and PHIC, including BIR. By that age also, Al-
jon devoured the opportunity of pursuing a higher education at his own alma mater by taking up Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Indeed, diligence
took him to a higher notch, for without it he would not be able to juggle his priorities as a full time worker by day and as a full time student by night.
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His diligence and thirst for more learning rapidly catapulted him to venture into “ambitious” outputs. If there is one word to describe him, other than being diligent, then he is very innovative. Being diligent and innovative as a worker have resulted in several breakthroughs beneficial to the school – both for the management and the students. “In what way?” you may ask. Back in year 2010, for example, he was material as a Programmer in enhancing the image and services of ACLC College-Butuan. It used to be that enrollment time would at least be halfday. But when he primed up the existing Enrollment System, including the Student Information System, by superbly updating and then ingeniously maintaining them, enrollment time zipped to an average of merely 30 minutes. His other projects, in year 2011, such as the Employee Information System (EIS), the Facility & Personnel Monitoring System (FPMS), and the Internet Laboratory Time Management System (ILTMS), and the Web-based Placement Examination System (WPES) have had further energized the institution in a blitzkrieg fashion. Right now,
he is updating the EIS and FPMS, which will further zip up the way of doing things in the institution. In year 2012, he programmed his own ver-
sion for a PCOS machine, dubbing it as Automated Election System for ACLC College’s Supreme Student Government election. Superbly, a minute after election time closes its door, the results would churn out handy also. But the finest customized output he has done so far was the Accounting Management System (AMS) which zoomed and further prospered the business side of the school – efficiently and effectively. The AMS package reduced tensions and tedious time of scratching one’s head as it can create vouchers, disbursement authorizations, journals, ledgers, and other important financial and accounting records with agility and swiftness. Sensing that he was putting in more beneficial outputs for the school, the school management chuckled and so could not help but promote him as the school’s Information Technology Head for Software Development effective June 1, 2013. In this new position, he gets a gross monthly salary of PhP9,376.00, plus a functional allowance of PhP3,000.00. Still a college undergrad, but he is precisely making a good kill – drawing a good salary and at the same time being allowed to perform what he can passionately and proficiently accomplish.
When approached by this writer to vie for the 2013 TESDA Idol competition under the wageemployed category, he became hesitant at first. But when he asked Mr. Atega, once a Regional TESDA Idol himself, and the School Administrator, Mr. Jose Roberto Lastimoso, the two were in unison in encouraging him to “grab the opportunity as we are here to support you.” Thus, he changed tack and began to be responsive, though he had had to be prodded time and again by this writer. Eventually, it dawned on him into thinking that “if others trusted me to be able to make it through at the regional level, and perhaps at the national level, then why should I not trust myself in return?” I told him, “You are a good material to be declared as a Batang TESDA Idol, because chances are you – at a very fresh age of 21 – will be the youngest nominee in your category for this selection year.” The rest was history; Aljon was declared as the 2013 TESDA
Idol for wage-employed category at the regional level after a stiff and thorough competition. Now, he is preparing to make it through at the national level. Who knows, his diligence and innovativeness will give him a berth as prime among peers. And who knows, young as he is, the best is yet to come for him – assuming he maintains his momentum.
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TESDA TESDA ISO Certification Caraga gears up for
by Robert E. Roperos
T
o ensure efficient and quality service to the public, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Caraga Region is now on its full swing of preparations in its quest to be certified internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO).
In his speech during the ISO general manager of the TUV SUD PSB work towards the achievement of 9001:2008 Quality Management Philippines, Inc., who audited the our goal and that is, to be internaSystem (QMS) Orientation Aware- TESDA services, during simple rites at tionally-certified by ISO,” Sunico said. ness and Review of Procedures the TESDA complex in Taguig City. Dir. Sunico further pointed held Thursday at the Cooperative Presently, eight regions have out that with the agency’s quest to Development Authority (CDA) Con- already received their international become an ISO-certified governference Room here, TESDA-Caraga certifications from ISO. In Mindanao, ment agency, “we are expected to Regional Director Dr. Florencio F. Su- TESDA Region XI in Davao is the only provide our customers with quality nico Jr. underscored services since the centhe need for the perter of ISO is customers’ sonnel to focus in order satisfaction through to achieve the agenquality services.” cy’s goal to be inter As a future ISO-cernationally-certified. tified government “Our journey organization, Sunico towards the achieveemphasized the need ment of ISO certificato have unity of protion is not that easy… cess. “We need to If we are focused on standardize all our our journey, we will arprocesses so that we rive on our destination will move towards – that is, to be certified one direction and by an international in-line with the mancertification body like date of the national the ISO,” Sunico said. government,” he said. Dir. Sunico add Also, Dir. Sunico reed when TESDA Central Office decided to TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. explains the rationale of ISO. He iterated the need of the personnel’s include all regions to likewise enjoined the TESDA personnel to give focus on ISO certification. commitment and be ISO-certified, it is an dedication as a key indication that quality to achieve the agency’s goal. “If management system must be at all region that was already certified. we put our heart and mind into it, times implemented and observed in The TESDA chief of the region there’s no reason why we cannot the regional and provincial offices. stressed that with TESDA-Caraga be TESDA was awarded the longing to the last batch of regions achieve our goal to be an ISO-cerISO certification on February 10, to be audited by August this year, tified agency,” Sunico disclosed. 2012, making it the only educa- he enjoined the personnel to ap- After the orientation, all tion agency and among the gov- preciate the process so that achiev- provincial directors and ISO foernment certifying agencies to ing such goal will be that easy. cal personnel have attended the be granted the prestigious status. “I want all of you (TESDA per- TESDA Mindanao Zonal Seminar Director-General Sec. Joel sonnel) to appreciate the tedious Workshop on ISO Awareness and Villanueva received the ISO Certifi- process that we are doing now so QMS Orientation on July 22-26, 2013 cate 9001:2008 from Jen Wen Chia, that everybody will be motivated to in Cagayan de Oro City.
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Holcim Phl’s
“Galing Mason Awards”
H
seeks new champion
olcim Philippines Inc., one of the leading cement manufacturers in the country is now seeking for a new champion in the annual “Galing Mason Awards.”
The program is in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Constructions Association, Inc. (PCA), and Association of Construction and Informal Workers (ACIW) which primarily aimed to honor Filipino masons who show great skill and pride in their work and are also model citizens in their community. In a press statement, Holcim Philippines kickedoff the program last June and will accept nominations until August 16, 2013. Accordingly, any reputable individual or legitimate organization may nominate working male/female masons who are at least 25 years old and have resided in their area for not less than a year. Nominees should be holders of valid TESDA Certificate on Masonry. Certificates of good moral character from at least two local organizations, along with other necessary documents should accompany the nomination to be submitted to the TESDA Provincial Office in their areas. More importantly, they must not have derogatory records or administrative infractions. The nominees will go through three levels of selection process: provincial, regional and national. Top three nominees from each region will compete in the regional level, the winner of which
moves on to the national competition. The winner, who will be proclaimed in October, will be chosen based
P25,000 in cash while the nominating individual or organization with the most number of nominees gets P15,000. The competition is held every two years and is part of Holcim Philippines’ flagship corporate social responsibility program. Its other components are the Galing Mason Olympics, a three-day masonry competition and the Galing Mason Training, a seven-day skills enhancement and certification program. The first cycle in 2007 was won by Sergio Barliso of Cebu, the 2009 competition was topped by Rodante Andres of Capiz and the 2011 grand champions were Eduardo Latap of the National Capital Region and Alejandro Tagle of Cagayan Valley. In a related development, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio Sunico Jr. enjoins individuals and organizations in the region to take part in this prestigious nationwide competition by nominating masons in their areas who qualify in the qualifications mentioned earlier.
on his productivity, technical competence and professionalism. The national winner or the “Most Outstanding Mason” will get P150,000 cash while regional winner will receive
Interested applicants may submit their documents to TESDA-Caraga Regional Office, Balibrea Bldg., Pili Drive, Butuan City. For inquiries, they may contact Ma. Cristina V. Soberano, TESD Specialist II at (085) 341-5220 or fax at 341-7776. (RER)
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e r news u t a fe
Caraga’s 2013Kabalikat Awardsentry Surigao del Norte, by Robert E. Roperos
S
urigao del Norte, the Philippines’ surfing capital is vying for the annual prestigious Kabalikat Awards this year. The provincial government has satisfactorily passed the entry requirements set by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
According to TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio F. Sunico Jr., as the regional winner in Caraga under the Local Government Unit (LGU) partner category, the provincial government, through the able leadership of Gov. Sol F. Matugas will represent the region in the national finals slated in August this year. Dir. Sunico added the provin-
Gov. Sol F. Matugas
cial government was chosen because of its exceptional achievements in the area of Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD) particularly its support to the programs on skills training, assessment and certification, among others. The TESDA chief of the region further stressed that under the HEALS Development Agenda of the province, Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD) was reinvented and strengthened, and more funds were allocated for programs that are responsive to the needs of the people. HEALS stands for Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture and Aquaculture, Livelihood and Tourism, Spiritual Renewal, Senior Citizens and people with Special Needs, Security and other Social Welfare initiatives. Furthermore, Sunico pointed out that the local government’s partnership with the private sector was given importance as
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Surigao del Norte
a strategy for inclusive human resource development. Education for All In support to the Human Development Cluster of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), investment on TESD highlights the province’s contributions to strengthen educational needs of the youths and adults thru technical education, as well as skills development. In terms of training and scholarship, the Provincial Training Center (PTC) cum Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Surigao del Norte has partnered with TESDA since 1993. Here, a present PTC is operated on a Co-management Scheme by the provincial government under the auspices of the Office of the Provincial Governor thru PTC and TESDA offering technical and vocational education “free of charge” to students since 1996. The provincial scholarship program dubbed as “Eskolaran” has been supporting poor but deserving students to pursue college education at Surigao State College of Technology(SSCT) and Surigao
del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT).
such as local, national and international employments and job opportunities through referrals, On-the-Job Training (OJT), Government Internship Program (GIP), Special Program for Employment of the Students (SPES), livelihood and self-employment.
Caraga Region when the region’s contender was proclaimed“TESDA’s 2012 National Kabalikat Awardee”. Surigao del Sur Provincial GoverPublic Private Partnership (PPP) nor Johnny T. Pimentel was conferred by The provincial government has TESDA Director-General, Sec. Emmanuel also championed in coordination and netJoel J. Villanueva for LGU Partner categoworking as it regularly partners with both Commitment to Support ry in a fitting ceremony held in time with public and private stakeholders in provid The Provincial Government of the 18th TESDA Anniversary Celebration ing human skills development. Surigao del Norte has been continuously last August 24, 2012 at TESDA Central Of One of these activities is the forgsupporting TESDA since its establishment fice, Taguig, Metro Manila. ing of Public Private Part What made the nership (PPP) scheme LGU win? The provinfor the trainings on cial government reguTESD employments larly provides TESD of the out-of-school interventions that generyouths and adults. ates employment oppor It can be nottunities and improves ed that currently, the the lives of every SuPPP scheme has been rigaonon. successful for con It also promotes structing and equiptechnology-based eduping of the Provincial cation and training, and Community Training manifesting a deep sense Center (PCTC) at Badof social responsibility. as, Placer, Surigao del The contribution of the Norte. LGU of the province covered a wide range of Promotion and initiatives. Advocacy The Jobs The provthrough Tech-Voc Proince’s “Ang Bag-ong Board of judges examine the documents of the participating LGUs during the gram which was formalSurigao” quarterly regional selection at TESDA-Caraga Regional Office. ly launched and made newsletter, “Kapihan operational on February sa Surigao,” Goverin 1994. 14, 2011 paved the way for TESD gradunor’s Week-End Report and the annual True to this, TESDA Provincial ates to land a job. State of the Province Address (SOPA) regThe logistical and financial supularly include TESD report to the people in Office has been “house for free of charge” for maintenance, operating and other export granted to TESDA Surigao del Sur tri-media. penses since 2002. Provincial Office amounting to more than The Citizen’s Charter has been Also, the province has been conP11 million has contributed much to the advocated and promoted in the pursuit of tinuously the implementer and supporter development of the infrastructure and skills economical and optimum use of resources; of plans, programs, projects and activities resources of the office. and advancement of TESD. with embedded TESD in relation to Basic Another significant contribution Education Curriculum or the K+12. Beneficiaries the province has made is the granting for It also provides manpower or the use of land and renovation to TESDA Majority of the TESD training workforce development for the imple- Surigao del Sur the underutilized Farmers beneficiaries/scholars at PTC and TESDA mentation of the TESD in the K+12 Cur- Training Center which is now transformed or in the communities and industrial comriculum; financial and technical assistance; into a Provincial Skills Training Center panies passed the National Competency Excompetency and skills competition; and (PSTC). aminations conducted by TESDA and have standard development in terms of human been either employed by public and private Lastly, the LGU through Gov. resource competence, integrity, personal entities or have been engaged in business Pimentel has enacted the provision of commitment and positive workforce valand self-employed here and abroad. trainer’s honorarium, training facilities and Graduates of the “Eskolaran” ues. instructional materials, four units service These will certainly help bring out grant have been majority absorbed in the vehicles composed of dump truck, Toyota government service and others in the pri- quality technical and vocational education Lite Ace, Mazda pickup and Sportivo. vate or mining companies or engaged in for the development of the youth, adult and labor sectors of the province. Those were the significant conbusiness and sel-employment. tributions of Surigao del Sur provincial TESD and “Eskolaran” grantees government through Gov. Pimentel which and graduates have been provided place- Caraga’s Pride Year 2012 was a fruitful year for made the LGU win the title. ment assistance by the province’s PESO
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self-employed component were given toolkits for them to start their livelihood.
More youths... from page 15... who want to help your family, you are bringing the skills with you. This will be your weapon to survive in this globally-competitive society. You need not be afraid because you are now equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitude that were imparted to you during your six-months training,” Sunico said. The TESDA chief of the region also reminded the graduates that the investment made by the national government to realize the program is big, “thus, may you not forget this investment… Make use of your acquired skills in a good
way for a better living for you and your family,” he said. With the investment of the government, Dir. Sunico said this must go back to the beneficiaries’ families. “So, setting up you and your families’ future must be needed.” The official further assured the graduates that since the tech-voc courses they have chosen have aligned to the demand of the industry in Caraga Region, the TESDA, DSWD and other concerned government agencies are one in providing post-training interventions through jobs facilitation.
Sunico explained that while the country is sending some 4,000 Filipinos abroad daily, an option of going abroad is an opportunity for the graduates to grab. “I am confident that you are now prepared for global challenges because of the skills you have acquired… now, grab these opportunities,” Sunico added. After receiving their certificates, those who chose under the program’s
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For graduates in commercial cooking, the beneficiaries each received twoburner stove, electric hand mixer and other utensils. Those who have finished automotive mechanics and driving each received auto tools as well as the computer hardware servicing. Complete welding gears were also given to graduates of the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). For every 10 graduates, they are given one welding machine, enough for them to start their own welding machine shop. C4TP is in support to government’s thrust in providing a sustainable intervention to improve the plight and condition of the youth and empower them through skills training and assistance towards gainful employment and entrepreneurial activities. The implementation of the program is in partnership with TESDA and the DSWD through the leadership of Sec. Joel Villanueva and Sec. Corazon Dinky Soliman, respectively. (RERoperos)
DSWD chief: “TESDA is community’s future”
“The Techni-
cal Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the future of every community,” said Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Minda B. Brigoli during the Orientation on Team Balikatan Rescue in Emergency (TeamBRE) held recently in Butuan City.
Project TeamBRE is a strategy which will develop and enhance resiliency of the vulnerable sectors, particularly the fisher folks during and after disaster. It also strengthens partnerships with other local stakeholder in establishing mechanism for effective disaster management program through the TeamBRE volunteers. Speaking before the TeamBRE stakeholders, Dir. Brigoli stressed that with TESDA continuously providing technicalvocational skills and development to the people in different communities, the country’s economic growth have developed. Brigoli also said that with the convergence of all government agencies in Caraga, the region is now out from the poorest regions in the country based on the second quarter report of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).
Because of this, the DSWD chief of the region emphasized that TESDA must be recognized and with President Benigno S. Aquino III mentioning the agency in his opening statement of his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, “it is but fitting for the agencyto receive such recognition from the country’s Chief Executive,” Brigoli said. Brigoli further explained that by providing technical-vocational skills and development to the community, the constituents of every community are empow-
“Our partnership with TESDACaraga thru the several projects is always going stronger and stronger… This is because we shared the same vision to provide interventions towards achieving the mandate of the national government specifically poverty alleviation… We always see to it that the needs of the public are addressed properly,” Brigoli said. She added that in order to achieve inclusive growth which is the ultimate mandate based on the Aquino administration’s social contract to the Filipino people, the government should also see to it that communities are involved in process of achieving development. Brigoli also emphasized that eq-
DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Minda Brigoli emphasized the relevance of Technical-Vocational programs to uplift the economy of the country.
ered to help uplift the economy of their communities and the country, in general. “Ang TESDA ngayon ay isa sa kinakapitan ng ating pamahalaan upang maitawid ang ating mga kababayan sa kahirapan” (At present, TESDA is one of the agencies where the government is dependent to achieve poverty alleviation), Dr. Brigoli said. Furthermore, the official said livelihood opportunities can be easily reached thru the trainings provided by TESDA since the agency is preparing every individual for this purpose. Brigoli also underscored the strong working relationship of DSWDCaraga and TESDA-Caraga, saying that this happened because the two government agencies shared a common vision towards achieving poverty alleviation in the country.
uitable opportunities and not just equal opportunities are regularly implemented. “This means that whatever are the needs of every individual must be assessed well. Through this, more engagements of the beneficiaries’ capacity will be implemented not only to satisfy their needs but for them to be given equitable opportunity. In this case, correct and sufficient interventions are applied to every individual needs,” Brigoli said. With these developments, Brigoli revealed that partnering with TESDA is a practical thing to do because this is the demand of the present. “We really want to partner with TESDA because this is the demand of the present that will generate more employment opportunities for the Filipino people,” Brigoli disclosed. (RER, TESDA-Caraga)
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