TESDA chief visits Bicol

By Rose T. Perida

Secretary Isidro Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has visited the provinces of Albay, Catanduanes and Camarines Norte on Dec. 11-13 to inspect the extent of damage brought by the series of typhoons to the agency’s facilities and dialogue with TESDA officials, personnel and stakeholders.

He visited the San Francisco Institute of Science and Technology in Malilipot, Albay on Dec. 11 togther with deputy director general for Operation Lina C. Sarmiento.

From Albay, the TESDA officials proceeded to Catanduanes, where they visited the Cabugao School of Handicraft and Cottages in Bato, Catanduanes. There, the TESDA director general distributed the training allowance and roofing materials to 25 carpentry scholars to help them rebuild their typhoon-stricken houses.

In his message to the scholars and stakeholders, Lapeña said, “ Ang TESDA ay nandito para sa ibat-ibang skills training programs lalung-lalo na sa construction sector para makatulong sa pag rebuild ng mga bahay at makaahon sa krisis na ating kinakaharap.”

He also distributed face shields to scholars who are currently attending the Mobile Training Laboratory (MTL) on food processing, bread and pastry and electrical installation and maintenance. The MTL was transported by TESDA Masbate to Catanduanes to provide immediate skills training programs to capacitate Catanduganons rebuild, respond and rise to the challenges.

From Catanduanes, Lapeña proceeded to the TESDA Provincial Training Center in Malilipot, Albay and TESDA Provincial Office in Camarines Norte and Provincial Training Center in Labo, Camarines Norte.

He was impressed by the improvements in the training facilities and the implementation of various scholarship programs in the three provinces.

Prior to Lapeña’s visit, TESDA Bicol through its chief, Director Elmer K. Talavera, has already assisted some 7,039 families and individuals in the region who received different forms of assistance like: temporary shelter and accommodation; soup kitchen in the evacuation centers; food packs and hygiene kits; phone charging services and water stations; solar light and charging system services; relief goods; repairs of appliances and generator sets, and others.

Also, some 727 individuals were given immediate skills training in construction and food trades (BPP, food processing, bread and pastry production, electronics, concrete hollow blocks making, carpentry) to immediately enable them to acquire additional means of livelihood.