TESDA-9 reaches remote areas to increase employment in ZamPen

By Gemerick E. Zapanta

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 15 (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – 9 (TESDA-9) prioritizes the remote and rural areas in Zamboanga Peninsula to conduct various training and livelihood programs.

The Deputy Director General of TESDA Aniceto Bertiz III, who recently visited the region to seek development in training centers emphasized that TESDA will fulfill its mantra which is “Abot Lahat”, or to reach and provide opportunity to everyone who is willing to be trained.

“TESDA provides quality trainings because the goal is for the trainees and students to be employed after the program,” Dir. Bertiz added.

The authority is happy with the outcome of the enrollees who are interested with the programs they offer. TESDA recorded approximately 10 million graduates of their different programs during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte. Dir. Bertiz affirms that with the new administration they continue to aim more graduates as the demand for skilled workers is also increasing, “our skills is our future,” he said.

In the City of Zamboanga, TESDA was able to reach far flung barangays such as Limpapa and Baluno as part of their strategy to help remote areas and to get more scholars and enrollees for their programs. TESDA also highlighted that financial concern is the main reason why some of the qualified individuals refuse to enroll in techvoc courses, however TESDA was able to find solution in this problem by giving daily allowance, uniform allowance, and free tuition.

Furthermore, as part of their development, TESDA is now on the process of reactivating their mobile training vehicles program to cater more individuals especially from remote areas.

Dir. Bertiz visit in Zamboanga City last Tuesday (July 12) is also an opportunity to meet their partner training centers and stakeholders to further focus on the mission of TESDA which is the “enrollment to employment” program. He also facilitated the opening of the Zamboanga Sibugay provincial office that will cater more leaners and implement modern skills development trainings for the enrollees. (NBE/MLE/GEZ/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Former MILF member finishes senior high school

By: Nilda Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, July 04 (PIA) – A former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) member in Isabela City finished his senior high school studies this year in one of the city’s most remote barangays.

Amuda H. Maulana, a 52-year old former member of a political organization MNLF graduated through the Technical-Vocational Livelihood Track (TVL) at Caro National High School in Barangay Kapayawan, which was formerly known as one among the conflict affected areas.

During his graduation, he was accompanied by his 89-year old father, Hji. Maulana A. Daranggala, who is proud of his son's accomplishments despite his age. He said that his son believes that education is essential in one's life and determined to pursue his studies even at his age.

This is also the very first commencement exercise in this school.

School Head Mr. Ekmar J. Sakib in his message, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the students and invited guests for being a part of this memorable events in their school.

"This event is historic because it is the first ever graduation ceremony of the school, which was established in 2017 with the assistance of its former Barangay Chairperson who donated the lot for the school's construction," he said.

Meanwhile, Hon. Nasser Salain, Basilan District 1 Provincial Board Member who served as one of the speakers, announced the free college tuition fees at soon-to-be Basilan State University and encouraged everyone to complete their college degree.

Mendry Ann Lim, City Information Officer, emphasized the local government unit's support for the education sector through DepEd-Isabela City's implementation of various programs and services such as the Teledukasyon program, Mobile Library and student scholarships and assistance under Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman's leadership.

“There is no reason for you, graduates, not to pursue your dreams through education because our government is working to provide access and support to quality education for all,” she said.

The Caro National High School currently has 202 students in Grades 7 to 12 with 9 regular faculty members and 6 volunteer teachers. (RVC/NDR/PIA-Basilan with reports from City Information Office)