BALIWAG CITY, Bulacan — A total of 5,249 scholars on Friday afternoon (Aug. 2) received training certificates for completing their respective technical and vocational courses at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in a ceremony held at Baliwag Star Arena.
Former secretary of TESDA and now Senator Joel Villanueva led the mass graduation as guest of honor and speaker distributed toolkits to all the graduates tailored to their specific qualifications, which included a diverse range of skills.
Villanueva was joined by Baliwag City Mayor Ferdie Estrella, Calumpit Mayor Lem Faustino, Guiguinto Mayor Agay Cruz, Jay Santos, representative of Gov. Daniel Fernando and TESDA Provincial Director Melanie Grace T. romero.
The said in his message said that this TESDA certificates will be served as a passport of to all graduates who wanted to work in abroad.
“Ang kanilang mga certificates ang kanilang magiging pasaporte sa pagiging isang world-class na manggagawang Pilipino.” The graduating scholars have acquired relevant skills for better employment opportunities here or abroad,” Villanueva said.
Senator Villanueva was instrumental in the establishment of the STEP program during his tenure as Director General of TESDA.
“During our time at TESDA, we introduced the STEP to ensure that our trainees not only acquire essential skills but also have the means to immediately apply their skills and generate income through the use of their toolkits,” Villanueva emphasized.
In addition to the graduation ceremony, the graduates will receive their Starter toolkits, an essential component of their Scholarship package under STEP. These toolkits, coupled with basic entrepreneurship training, are designed to equip graduates with the necessary tools and skills to start their own businesses. This initiative aims to empower graduates to become entrepreneurs and contribute to the economic growth and development of their communities.
This event according to PD Romero commemorates the completion of training for these graduates, covering qualifications such as Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Process Food by Fermentation and Pickling (Leading to FOP NC II), Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I, Dressmaking NC II, Driving NC II, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II.
Also, the Bulacan senator Villanueva celebrated his birthday on Friday with a song from the scholars and BulSU Himig Chorale. (UnliNews Online)
