TESDA urges Ilocanos to turn skills into livelihood

LAOAG CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – Through their continuing promotion for skills development, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Ilocos Norte is enjoining the participation of Ilocanos to enroll and find interest in various technical-vocational programs.

Under the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, Ilocanos are provided an avenue to turn their skills and competencies into an opportunity for self-employment or wage employment.

“Maraming programa ang TESDA. Ang aming core ay ang TVET,” newly-installed TESDA Ilocos Regional Director Vincent Atienza Cifra said.

Cifra mentioned there are still available 225 slots for the free skills training programs from Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) in the province.

These programs are Computer System Servicing (NC II) at Northwestern University in Laoag City; Shielded Metal Arc Welding (NC II) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (NC II) at Igama Colleges Foundation Inc. in Badoc; and Automotive Servicing (NC II), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (NC I), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (NC II) at Bangui Institute of Technology.

TESDA continues to encourage the public to develop their skills as their programs are aligned in helping them land a job based on the present booming industry.

This is a priority under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

“Dito sa TWSP, ang ino-offer namin na programs ay key employment generators. Ibig sabihin, pinag-aaralan namin ang mga demanded skills ng mga booming industries,” the regional director said.

He added that TWSP scholars are assured with employment after they finished the program of their choice.

Other programs being offered are Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) which is a community-based specialty training program that addresses the specific skills needs of the communities and promote employment through entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities.

“Kami ang bababa sa community ninyo, makikipagtulungan kami sa local government unit. Bibigyan pa namin ang beneficiaries ng mga toolkit,” Cifra announced.

Moreover, there is a Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) program, an assistance to students in private education.

“Maraming programs sa TESDA. Kung gusto niyong umunlad sa buhay ninyo, nandiyan ang TESDA. Nandito lang kami catering the services to the government down to you. Itaas niyo lamang po ang inyong kamay para mahila po namin kayo pataas,” Cifra added.

As he ended, he said that regardless of educational attainment, anyone can apply for their desired program.

“Kung hindi man makaabot sa college degree, nandiyan ang TESDA. May pag-asa pa rin sa mga hindi nakaabot ng college. May alternatibo sila at ito ay TESDA. Skills para magkaroon ka ng negosyo. Skills para magkaroon ng trabaho,” he ended. (Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco/PIA Ilocos Norte)