CEBU, Philippines - The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is looking at standardizing the system in implementing its training programs.
This is part of TESDA’s efforts to strengthen its training programs and services in a bid to produce a more skilled and competitive individuals.
Engineer Winnie Salas, TESDA Training Center administrator, said they will capacitate the different training centers, purchase more equipment, and allocate additional facilities that will help provide better education for students seeking vocational trainings.
He said though the minimal funding from the national government has become a challenge for them.
Despite the financial concerns, Salas said, it won’t impede TESDA’s goal of providing quality trainings and programs to their trainees.
He said by giving the trainees good and quality trainings, TESDA would somehow help them find a better job and alleviate their lives.
“Ang atoa lang man gyod ani kay ang makatabang ta sa atong isig katawo. Kanang inig human nila sa program makakita dayon sila og trabaho kay mao mani ang purpose gyod ani,” Salas said.
Salas said they have been engaging with their industry partners who also help them in terms of funding and giving scholarship grants to interested and deserving individuals.
Currently, TESDA is offering a total of 21 courses.
Madelina Salarda, Regional Operations Division chief at TESDA, said roughly P99 million has been allotted for the TESDA scholarship program nationwide.
Salarda urged the public to avail of the scholarship program.
“Kani siya first come, first serve basis ni siya. So kun kinsa tong mauna mas mao to siya ang mahatagan og priority for the grant,” Salarda said.
Applicants should be at least 18 years old and high school graduates.
However, applicants must first take the entrance examination with 50 percent passing rate to avail of the scholarship.
“Sauna kay wala ra namo gi-merit and exam unya naa man mga takers nga tungod lagi nga dili man mo-merit dili nalang pud nila tarongon ang exam mao amoang gihimo they should at least get a 50 percent passing rate in order for them to avail the grant,” Salas said.
Aside from passing the entrance exam, applicants are required to undergo a drug test. A “drug-free” certification must also be submitted to TESDA.
“Amoa gyod sigurohon nga atoang mga trainings dili involved aning mga ing-ani mao nang gihimo na natong usa sa mga requirements nga kailangan nilang iapil og hatag kun mo-apply sila,” Salas said.
TESDA has at least 6,000 scholars nationwide. (FREEMAN)