TESDA, DOTr offer scholarships for drivers hit by modernization

CEBU, Philippines — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has offered more scholarship slots during yesterday’s launching of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP)’s Tsuper Iskolar project in Cebu.

This program, spearheaded by TESDA Secretary Isidro “Sid” Lapen~a and DOTr OIC Undersecretary Mark Richmund M. De Leon, representing Secretary Arthur Tugade, with their regional and provincial directors, and undersecretaries, was attended by over a thousand drivers, operators, and other transportation sector stakeholders from Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Eighteen transport sector cooperatives in Cebu and nearby provinces participated in the scholarship program. Two of the biggest PUV cooperatives in Region VII – the Visayas United Drivers Transport Coop (VUDTRASCO) and Cebu Integrated Transport Coop (CITRASCO) – also attended the program launching.

Both secretaries reminded in their messages that the Tsuper Iskolar beneficiaries will receive free skills training and assessment, P350 daily transportation and food allowance, and free entrepreneurship training (for Cluster of Competencies (CoC qualifications) to aid them in the possible effects of the PUVMP.

Lapeña said that under the Stakeholder Support Mechanism Component of the said modernization system, both TESDA and DOTr will help “provide training on various skills which include qualifications from the metals and engineering sector, electrical and electronics sector,  tourism, garments and textiles, automotive and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors, among others."

“I appeal to all our Tsuper Iskolars, the beneficiaries of this scholarship program to complete and finish their chosen course or training, and get the proper assessment so they will earn their National Certificates (NC). Companies on the lookout for skilled workers require potential employees with appropriate NCs,” said the TESDA chief.

Different qualifications in Heavy Equipment Operation (Forklift) NC II, Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II, Food and Beverage Services NC II, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Caregiving NC II, Driving NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Beauty Care Services NC II, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II are already being offered in the regions where the scholarship program is being implemented.

Lapen~a, through TESDA’s regional and provincial offices and the Scholarships Management Division (SMD), has ensured a smooth extension of these skills training aide through the comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) reports.

The Tsuper Iskolar program has already commenced in several provinces in the country that include Misamis Oriental last April 23, Zamboanga del Norte on April 29, Davao City last May 3, and Kalinga last June 6.

The most recent launching was done in Muntinlupa City on June 28 with around 800 beneficiaries. — GAN (FREEMAN)