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)