TESDA-7 launches Specialista Program

CEBU, Philippines - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Cebu recently joined its nationwide grand launching of the TESDA Specialista Technopreneuship Program, an initiative in support to government’s stimulus program to push economic growth back on track.

Buenafe S. Sta. Rita, TESDA-Cebu provincial director said that the role of education and training in poverty alleviation has been emphasized in the current administration.

The TSTP is a holistic approach to skills development taking into consideration the limited job opportunities from the wage employment sector, and the demand for services by the household and the immediate communities.

It is designed to be a team development model for nurturing communities with the mission to help TESDA-certified graduates get into productive undertakings to help themselves thru the provision of services required by their immediate environment.

The program produces Sama-hang TESDA Specialistas, which are composed of TESDA-trained and certified workers who are organized into services groups of various related skills who will respond to the demand for the services by the households and the immediate communities.

Sta. Rita said that the first two identified groups were Beauty Care Services in partnership with Barangay Luz under the leadership of Brgy. Captain Rian C. Tante and Caregiving Services while in partnership with BMC College under the leadership of the School President Dra. Saleshe Baking located within Cebu City.

Each is composed of ten TESDA Specialistas. Sta. Rita said they currently have a steady stream of customers and are enjoying their income. On the other hand, groups handling automotive services at Carcar City and Balamban will start within the month while another group handling household services at Bogo City covers services that include carpentry, masonry, painter, plumber and electrician.

Sta. Rita added that the nurturing mechanism in the provision of tool kits to TESDA Specialista is used in the service to households and an initial set of consumables shall also be provided which the latter shall replenish from their earnings.

She further said that partners of TESDA, such as the LGUs, NGOs, and private enterprise and others, shall be responsible in nurturing for sustainability in form of seed capital, business coaching, mentoring, matching with clients and market. — (FREEMAN)