Secretary Sid Lapeña’s Visit to TESDA-Aurora

The TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, PhD, CSEE, officially visited TESDA Aurora on September 18, 2020. With him were the TESDA ROIII Regional Director, MGEN Jesus A. Fajardo AFP (Ret), MMOAS, and TESDA Pasay-Makati District Director, Juliet Omalza-Orozco. The PNP Aurora’s Provincial Director, PCOL. Raul C. Siriban, also joined Sec. Lapena. Arriving at the first business hour of the day in the Provincial Training Center-Baler, the short greetings were immediately proceeded by official business.

The first to present its programs and accomplishments was the Center Administrator of the Provincial Training Center-Baler, Mr. Lazaro B. Solis, Jr., followed by the Provincial Director of the TESDA-Aurora Provincial Office, Dir. Genaro Ronald C. Ibay. Points of presentation included; Organizational Complement, trainers, job order staff, profile of the province ,TVIs/ Registered Programs, Assessment Centers, 2020 Scholarships, on-going trainings, compliance to Secretary’s Directives such as Organic Agriculture Production and mini organic farm, likewise the GrowYourOwnFoodChallenge, COVID-19 initiatives such as distribution of face shields to partners (LBP-Baler, Provincial Prosecutors/ RTC, DOH/ hospitals, PNP, BFP, LGUs and NGOs) and compliance to health protocols/ disinfection of facilities, partnership with Rural Health Unit (RHU) – Baler and Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Aurora Chapter, all personnel undergoing “Practicing COVID-19 Preventive Measures in the Workplace” and “Performing Proper Waste Management in the Workplace,” PRLEC EO 70 undertakings such as consultation and forums in priority barangays/ communities assisted, orientation on TESDA Services, training of IPs on Producing Organic Fertilizer in Barangays Dianawan and Decoliat, Maria Aurora, Aurora, restoration of fishpond in Brgy. Diaat, Maria Aurora, Aurora, training of FRs on Driving NC II with the AFP, Harvest Festival in Sitio Dimanagsag, Brgy. Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora (in response to Food Security and Support to Government’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program and farm establishment by FRs), PRLEC launching of the Accessing Underutilized Resources to Optimize Rural Advancement (AURORA) Project, participation to the SAKM-LPE Community Consultation and Consultative Meeting with Local Task Force, meetings with the PNP Provincial Director, the Battalion Commander of the 91st IB (Sinagtala) of the AFP, the LGUs and the Community Training and Employment Coordinators (CTECs), lastly, the PO’s planting activities.

RD Fajardo appreciated the presented accomplishments, encouraged the personnel to continue with the good performance especially on activities for food security. He stressed the Secretary’s word “Walk the Talk.”

Finally, Sec. Lapeña delivered the most awaited message. “Happy to have finally visited Aurora- the farther the area, the more it becomes my priority,” he said. On the organizational manning “JOs with eligibility are good as hired. PTC will have items for three Senior TESD Specialist and two TESD Specialist II, priorities will be given to insiders” said the Secretary. JOs are encouraged to take as many NCs as possible and undertake the TM, likewise prepare for the Civil Service Eligibility.

One of Sec. Lapeña’s directives is for TTIs to implement full absorptive capacity and optimize their scholarship funds on capital outlay, maintenance, vehicle, hire trainers and other necessities. “Social equity and poverty reduction are equally important. These are proportionate with peace and order. TESDA Programs should address food sufficiency. Global competitiveness should balance with addressing the needs of the lower strata of the society. People should feel the services of the government and benefit from it. TESDA should do this,” conveyed by the Secretary.

A dialogue then followed. According to the Secretary, one of the reasons he go around TESDA Offices is for him to see and understand the situations in every area. He encouraged all the personnel to bring up issues/ concerns they encounter. He also asked everyone to get in touch with him if there are any matters warranting his attention. Though this, he can continually help the different TESDA areas and improve the system in the agency.

The party also visited the Provincial Office.