Agriculturist Louella Pis-an credits the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority for helping bring her one step closer to her dream of becoming an agricultural entrepreneur.
Pis-an enrolled in TESDA’s Provincial Training Center as an Organic Agriculture National Certificate II scholar with the goal of boosting her credential as a licensed agriculturist.
“Advantage gyud kaayro siya (ang skills training sa TESDA) kay grabe na gyud kaayo ka competitive ang industry. Mas advantage gud if naa ka training and certificates para pagpanarbaho,” Pis-an said.
(Enrolling at TESDA’s skills training is an advantage because the industry is highly competitive now. You gain an edge if you have attended training courses and obtained certificates.)
She plans to establish her own livestock farm.
Since she currently lacks funds to make her dream farm a reality, Pis-an said the TESDA certificate will help her land a job related to her field so she can start saving up.
Wilfredo Cuenca, another TESDA scholar, enrolled at TESDA Provincial Training Center’s Driving NC-II class as he hopes to become competent to drive a four-wheel vehicle.
“Dire sa TESDA, nagpasalamat mi kay nag-offer sila og scholarship sa amoa. Sa training wala mi ginabayran, sa assessment pod wala. Dako na mi pasalamat na nag-offer mo ani nga libre pa jud sa amoa,” Cuenca said.
(We are thankful to TESDA for offering a scholarship to us. We didn’t pay for anything related to our training and even during our assessment. We are very grateful that they are offering this training for free.)
Cuenca added that obtaining a TESDA certification is helpful in securing skills-based jobs and for his career advancement.
“Advantage gud ni. Beneficial ni siya sa katong tawo nga moadto sa gawas. Kinahanglan nila og skilled (workers) then certificate nga ni-graduate ta anang course so advantage nga mo-eskwela sa TESDA,” he added.
(This is an advantage and beneficial for those seeking jobs abroad. Firms are looking for skilled workers and they also verify if you have undergone the training and if you have the certificate so enrolling in TESDA’s training programs is a great advantage.)
‘Tools for life transformation’
Both Pis-an and Cuenca were among the 218 scholars who graduated from various TESDA PTC courses on April 14 at the Dumaguete City National High School Gym.
The graduates were composed of scholars who completed training courses on Driving NC-II, Organic Agriculture Production NC – II, Motorcycle / Small Engine Servicing NC – II, Barangay Health Services NC – II, Tile Setting NC – II, Carpentry NC – II, and Trainers Methodology Level 1.
During the graduation ceremony, TESD specialist Jaminel Damolo relayed the message of TESDA Region 7 Director Gamaliel B. Vicente Jr. for the graduates.
“Today you are not only receiving your certificates but also the fruits of your dedication, hard work, and determination. Your new skills are more than qualifications. They are tools that can transform your life, uplift your family, and bring positive change to your communities,” Damolo said.
Meanwhile, TESDA Provincial Director Joel Villagracia urged the graduates to use the skills they have acquired during their training in availing of livelihood opportunities.
“Dapat ang atoang makat-onan ma-apply jud. Hopefully ma-translate ninyo into livelihood. Ang certificate mao ang atoang passport sa pagtrabaho,” Villagracia said.
(Hopefully what you learned here will translate into livelihood. The certificates you obtain are your ticket to employment.) (RAL/PIA7-NegOr)
