By QUISHELLE GAHID
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Directors of Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (Tesda) assured for the continuous financial support from the local government units (LGUs) and other different agencies in their provinces this 2010.

Director Emmanuel Dabalos, Tesda- Apayao, said that last 2009, Apayao is far lower in terms of program implementation than other provinces due to lack of technical schools. However, Dabalos said that the local government worked with other agencies to provide programs particularly the technical courses. He said that their plans are prepared for the next administration and that the incoming president to have better educational programs.

Apayao has graduated 689 trainees and some of them are self employed while others are working here and abroad, Dabalos said.

Morever, Tesda- Ifugao Provincial Director Genaro Ronald C. Ibay said that the incoming administration has pledged to continue to support them in terms of financial matters this 2010.

“We can’t do it alone that is why we are seeking support from the local government,” Ibay said.

Ibay mentioned that last 2009, the previous administration has invested Php400,000- Php 600,000 to Tesda. With 536 graduates this 2010, Ibay reported that there are 21 who were employed but others are self employed. Ibay preferred giving free starter’s kit rather than providing free food during the training. He reasoned out that the starter’s kit is of great help because after the training, they can apply what they have learned and earn as well.

On the other hand, Glenda G. Marquez, Tesda Specialist II- Baguio- Benguet, said that Tesda is accomplishing much that is why the previous government supported them with their programs.

However, due to the May 2010 election, the scholarship fund went lesser than that of last 2009. Susana Carbonell, TESDA Specialist, said that the the previous administration gave a fund of 91M specifically for the scholarship programs in the Cordillera Administrative Region. However, this 2010, they have proposed a 5M of scholarship fund that covers 620 trainees specifically on automotive, slaughtering, and welding courses.

Furthermore, Tesda is hoping to surpass their accomplishments as 2010 ends with the help of their partners and to help more people in gaining additional skills that may lead them to having jobs here and abroad and to self- employment as well.# nordis.net