24 Aetas Graduate from TESDA
By TESDA Bataan
DINALUPIHAN, Bataan (November 11, 2020) – Twenty-four (24) members of the Aeta Tribe graduated from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training last November 10, 2020, in Dinalupihan, Bataan.
The Aetas that belong to the Ambala Tribe in Barangay Bayan-bayanan in Dinalupihan, took Plant Crops (Leading to Agricultural Crops Production NC II) at the D’ Planners Training Center from October 22-November 3, 2020. They were TESDA scholars under the Special Training Employment Program, allocated by Bataan First District Representative Geraldine Roman.
Roman, the guest speaker, said that she was glad that they were able to provide skills training and upgrading to the Aeta groups in Dinalupihan.
She added that it has never become a problem if they cannot afford to go to TESDA centers because public service was delivered right to their communities. “We aimed to provide them with skills when it comes to innovative and effective planting methods, and we brought it through this scholarship program,” the congresswoman said.
She said that more women participated and got excited to plant and learn how to grow their crops. She said she hoped this course will be productive and help our Aeta brothers and sisters.
MGen. Jesus Fajardo, AFP (Ret), TESDA 3 Regional Director, said that he was delighted and thankful that Congresswoman Roman has chosen the Aeta Ambala Tribe to be one of her scholarship beneficiaries, through TESDA Bataan, headed by Provincial Director Julie Ann Banganan.
Fajardo said that the training was timely and relevant since October 2020 was the 23rd year of the legislation of “The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997”.
He said that the scholars were provided free training cost, one-year accident insurance, internet and health and personal protective equipment allowance, and daily allowance.
He informed that Secretary Isidro Lapeña, TESDA Director General, was the one who created the new TESDA Slogan “TESDA Abot Lahat” and it became true to its meaning on reaching out to people however far-flung the place will be.
He also thanked Mayor Maria Angela Garcia and Vice Mayor Renato Matawaran of Dinalupihan, for supporting the Ambala Tribe.
Aniceto “John” Bertiz III, TESDA Deputy Director-General for Partnerships and Linkages, also one of the guest speakers, said that before, most of the Filipino parents did not prefer TESDA presumably because they thought it only offers courses like manicure and pedicure.
He informed that in the Philippines, the requirement for job seekers such as housekeepers is to have a college degree while in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Japan, focuses and developed skills training, soft and hard trade, in order to sustain and meet the economic needs and demand.
Bertiz added that is why TESDA pursues its mandates on providing quality education and training through Kaalaman, Kakayahan at Kabuhayan (Knowledge, Ability, and Livelihood) and never get tired of.
He also updated the crowd on the partnership between TESDA and San Miguel Corporation through the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the hiring of thousands of construction workers, welders, electrician, mason, and other TESDA graduates in the construction of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. Repatriated OFWs with TESDA national certificate will be absorbed in the said government infrastructure, he said.
Bertiz, a former congressman, informed that TESDA graduates or OFWs who no longer want to work can become TESDA Trainor by taking up the Trainer’s Methodology, training for those who want to become a Trainor.
The Aeta Ambala Group showcased their other talent through dance performance in the music entitled “Magtanim ay di biro” followed by “Budots” that made the occasion entertaining and lively.
Dinalupihan PESO Manager Hector Lintag, Rea Rose Reyes, president of Bataan Federation of Technical Institution, Inc., Sgt. Mike Alejandro of the Philippine Army, Engr. Alexander Baluyot of Bataan Provincial Planning Development Office and Attorney Tony Boy Roman, brother of Congresswoman Roman, also attended the said event. (Sierra E. Flores)
