SP okays amendments to Kahanas program

CEBU, Philippines — The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu has approved amendments to strengthen the Sugbo Kahanas Program which brought revised guidelines, expanded oversight, and a fixed budget allocation.

The ordinance was passed during the provincial board’s regular session on Monday, April 13, as part of efforts to enhance one of the Cebu Provincial Government’s flagship skills development initiatives.

Under the amended measure, stricter eligibility and participation requirements have been put in place.

Applicants must now be registered voters and residents of Cebu, at least 18 years old at the time of application, and compliant with the admission and qualification standards set by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Central Visayas (TESDA-7) and accredited technical-vocational institutions.

The ordinance also mandates that all training under the program must be conducted exclusively through TESDA-accredited technical-vocational institutions to ensure quality and standardization of skills training.

Furthermore, the program will be implemented in coordination with relevant provincial offices and partner agencies, as outlined in the ordinance and its implementing rules and regulations.

A key provision in the amendment is the allocation of ?130 million for every season or cycle of the Sugbo Kahanas Program, ensuring sustained funding support for its continued rollout.

To strengthen governance, the ordinance establishes the Sugbo Kahanas Program Governing Council, which will provide policy direction, oversight, and general supervision over program implementation.

The council will be chaired by the provincial governor, with the chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Higher and Technical Education serving as vice chairperson.

The amended ordinance was sponsored by 5th District Board Member Michael Joseph Villamor and 7th District Board Member Paz Rozgoni.

Sugbo Kahanas, institutionalized through Ordinance No. 2024-08, is a community-centered training initiative designed to develop the skills, talents, and potential of Cebuanos through structured programs in sports, leadership, teamwork, and personal development.

The program aims to empower individuals by promoting discipline, excellence, and community pride, while preparing participants to become productive and responsible citizens.

Although originally launched during the administration of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, incumbent Governor Pamela Baricuatro has reaffirmed support for the program while pushing for key improvements.

Baricuatro earlier emphasized the need for the program to adapt to changing demands, saying Sugbo Kahanas will continue “but with improvements to ensure stronger employment outcomes for beneficiaries.”

She stressed that the program will "evolve", noting that her administration intends to align training programs with actual labor market needs to improve job placement and entrepreneurship opportunities for graduates.

The Sugbo Kahanas Program is implemented by the Cebu Provincial Government in partnership with TESDA and has already benefited over 20,000 Cebuanos across four seasons.

For its 4th season, the province allocated a record ?200 million, which was double the ?100 million annual budget in previous years with 8,291 individuals qualifying for training. (CEBU NEWS)