TESDA needs more training equipment

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) needs additional training equipment.

TESDA director-general Isidro Lapeña said this when asked by reporters about the challenge in providing the “big push” to private as well as public technical-vocational (tech-voc) institutions to develop young and competent skilled workers.

Lapeña said that when he assumed his post, he inspected the regional offices and training centers and saw the need for additional equipment. TESDA will include the allocation of funds for new equipment in the 2020 budget that Lapeña will propose.

“Malaking bagay kasi ang mga training equipment (These training equipment are a big deal),” he said, adding that it would help the youth who avail themselves of the services of the agency.

The TESDA chief also advised the competitors and experts joining the 18th Regional Skills Competition at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center to always do their best in whatever field they are getting into.

“I came from a (family of farmers) in Urdaneta and poverty is not a hindrance to one’s success. It’s hard work, patience and determination in life that matter,” Lapeña said.