BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Agusan del Norte (TESDA-ADN), in partnership with the City Government of Butuan, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte and the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) has awarded starter toolkits to three hundred sixty eight (368) Special Training and Employment Program (STEP) scholars during the awarding ceremony held on March 30, 2021 at the Provincial Capitol Covered Court, Capitol Compound, Butuan City.
The three hundred sixty eight (368) STEP scholars who are residents of Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Butuan City have already completed their skills training conducted from November 2020 to February 2021 by TESDA-ADN. The skills training includes Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Carpentry, Prepare and Cook Hot Meals and Hilot (Wellness Massage).
TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi spearheaded the distribution of the toolkits together with Dir. Rey M. Cueva of TESDA-AND, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23IB, and City Councilor Glen Carampatana who represented Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicinte C. Lagnada.
“I am glad to see new sets of students who have undergone TESDA skills training. We hope that you have focused on the discussions and lectures in order for you to really learn more because these sets of training are useful in applying for jobs or even in building your own business for you to become productive citizens in the near future,” Mapandi said.
She added that the skills and abilities the students have acquired are treasures and weapons as they move on with their lives.
City Councilor Carampatana emphasized the importance of the skills training the scholars have acquired for employment and entrepreneurship.
“In this time of the pandemic, most of the Agusanons have difficulties in accessing education and prefer to take non-degree courses, much more because it is free with free starter toolkits. These sets of training will provide great opportunities for the scholars because the skills they learn are in demand in various industries even in this pandemic,” Carampatana said.
Lt. Col. Paulo lauded the continuing efforts of TESDA, the City Government of Butuan, and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte in helping the residents in the province who are in need of support especially in education.
“I thank you for delivering free Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs to the individuals who want to learn new skills for better living. May you continue to conduct such training in order to help the students be employed,” Paulo said.
He added that the TESDA programs enable those deserving residents from different areas in Agusan del Norte to acquire knowledge and skills that will aid them in surpassing poverty-related problems.
“The knowledge and skills will also help them improve their lives,” Paulo said.
