TESDA eyes Negros Occ pilot training center for animation development

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is planning to set up a pilot training center for animation, software or games development in Negros Occidental this year, citing its pool of talented and artistic workforce in the information technology—business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

TESDA administrator, Secretary Joel Villaueva, who was in Bacolod recently, said people of this city and province were among the most talented and artistic in IT and the national government is now ready to provide them with support.

 “You have a pool of creative and talented people here that you can train to become the pioneers of the industry,” he said, citing that artistry is very important in 2D (dimensional) and 3D animation.

The pilot center, with an investment of P10 million to P15 million, will train people for jobs in animation, software or games development, said Villanueva in presenting TESDA’s plans to Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.

“We’re looking at a niche here that can be showcased as a model. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in Bacolod, but somewhere in Negros Occidental,” he said.

Marañon said he is amenable to Villanueva’s plans and is ready to give support to the project.  (FREEMAN)