CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — Technical-vocational institutes and technology institutions in Laguna reaffirmed their support for the programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aimed at improving technical and vocational education and training in the country and providing alternative employment and livelihood opportunities to many Filipinos.
During the World Café of Opportunities held at the Jose Rizal Coliseum in Calamba City, Laguna, on August 18, a group comprising 176 technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) and TESDA technology institutions (TTIs) in the province attended the program together with private companies, government agencies, and other organizations to strengthen their convergence initiatives in boosting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and expanding employment opportunities.
Association of Laguna Technical Institutions (ALTIS) President Lored Amansec said the group supports TESDA’s efforts to enhance workers’ skills, including the P19-billion budget allotted by the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the agency, which is expected to expand scholarship opportunities.
“Nagpapasalamat kami doon kung matutupad talaga ang mas malaking budget. Kasi mas marami kaming matutulungan lalo na ang mga grassroots na walang kakayanang mag-aral. Kahit na sabihin nating libre lahat ang pag-aaral, minsan kasi kung konti naman ang available slots for scholarships ay konti ang makaka-avail, hindi lahat mabibigyan ng pagkakataon,”
Amansec also expressed support for an ‘enrollment-to-employment’ approach to better align TESDA graduates and National Certificate holders with the needs of private companies, especially in CALABARZON, where many economic hubs are located.
“Pero dahil nga lalaki ang pondo, nagpapasalamat kaming lahat at dadami talaga ang mas makakakuha ng sinasabi naming proper training and skills. Dahil doon, mas maraming opportunities ang mapupunta sa mas marami nating kababayan,”
The group added that it supports TESDA’s industry-driven TVET curricula and its regular consultations with private industries and corporations to unlock employment opportunities as early as the training or apprenticeship stage and lessen the need for skilled workers to seek employment abroad.
“Na-fi-fill ‘yung gap at hindi kaagad pumupunta sa abroad kasi kung nabibigay naman dito sa Pilipinas at nakukuha naman sila ng industries, so bakit pa sila aalis. Kaya talagang proper training at skills ang tinututukan naming mabuti. Sabi nga namin, knowledge, skills, and right attitude.”
TESDA CALABARZON Regional Director Engr. Jovencio Ferrer Jr. expressed optimism that TVET, through partnerships and coordination with TVIs and TTIs and by being responsive to industry trends, will open more livelihood and economic opportunities for TESDA graduates.
“Once na maipakita natin ang kagandahan na nandito sila with their families, with their jobs with them, kikita sila ng sapat para sa kanilang pamilya. Maaring hindi biglaan, pero darating ang panahon na ma-appreciate nila na more companies are available in our country, more job opportunities,” Ferrer added.
The agency urges technical institutes and educational institutions to continue serving learners and further strengthen their efforts to provide programs that will be truly beneficial to the people. (CH/PIA-Laguna)