TESDA is the college for jobs – Sec. Joel Villanueva
Thus said Secretary Joel Villanueva, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General, as he leads the mass graduation of some 5,000 tech-voc scholars in Tarlac and Bulacan in separate venues last September 5, 2012.
“More than 60% of our tech-voc graduates land jobs here and abroad, making TESDA as the only government agency that has the highest batting average in terms of employment,” he reported. He explained that once Juan Dela Cruz completes a technical vocational course and passes the competency assessment, landing a good paying job or livelihood is no longer a game of chance (tsamba) because of the high demand for skilled workers, especially overseas. “Basta dumaan ka sa tekbok, malaki ang tsansa mong umasenso,” he exclaimed.
For the remaining 40% of the TESDA graduates, Sec. Joel proudly shared that one of its newest projects, the TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program, which is designed to promote self-employment and livelihood among tech-voc graduates in tandem with the local government units, has been performing well. “We provided tool-kits and other vital support to our 5,240 Specialistas nationwide, who are now earning more than P500 a day,” he said.
He challenged the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) scholars-graduates to work hard and with pride, because they are the “ambassadors of the country”, noting that their National Certificates is being saluted and recognized internationally. He added that with the world-class skills and qualification that the graduates have acquired, it is now up to them to pursue their success. “Ang tagumpay ninyo at tagumpay ng ating bayan ay nasa inyo nang mga kamay.”
Sec. Joel awards the certificate of appreciation to Paniqui, Tarlac Mayor Miguel Rivilla for his continued support to TESDA
Sec. Joel awards the certificate of appreciation to San Rafael, Bulacan Mayor Lorna Silverio for her continued support to TESDA
Aside from confirming the scholar-graduates, Sec. Joel also led the oath-taking of the new officers of the Tarlac Chapter of the Philippine Association of Higher Education and Technical Institution (Tarlac-PAHETI), and recognized the local chief executives of both provinces for their commitment and support to TESDA’s programs. Tarlac held its Sabayang Pagtatapos ng TWSP/PESFA Iskolars at the Diwa ng Tarlac, Tarlac City while the Bulacan Big V Day rites was held at the Baliuag University in Baliuag.
Meantime, Gov. Yap acknowledged Sec. Villanueva and TESDA’s “huge” assistance to people, thru the provision of scholarships and various training programs. “Thank you very much for answering our call for convergence, we were able to triple our target of producing skilled workers in the province,” he said.
Likewise, Bulacan Provincial Administrator Jim Valerio, subbing for Gov. Willy Alvarado, also hailed the invaluable and prompt assistance that Sec. Villanueva and TESDA has been extending to the province. “…not only in terms of the scholarships and trainings, and relief assistance to typhoons and flood victims but also for President Pnoy’s approval of the multi-billion peso Angat Dam rehabilitation project which the good Secretary did in tandem with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, who hails from Pulilan.
RD Gatchalian awards the training certificate to one of the graduates in Bulacan
According to TESDA-Central Luzon Regional Director Ted Gatchalian, the mass graduation is part of a series of similar activities to further promote technical vocational education as one of the best means to boost the employment of the people. The graduation rites are led and organized by the Tarlac-PAHETI headed by its President, Chito De Jesus and Chairman Rev. Mario Gaña and the Bulacan Association of Technical Schools headed by Millie Kaw in coordination with TESDA-Tarlac and Bulacan provincial offices, headed by Provincial Director Bal Labutong and newly promoted Regional Director Cenon Querubin, respectively.
