CEBU, Philippines — More than 200 beneficiaries of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) in Lapu-Lapu City and in Cebu fourth district recently received their new starter toolkits.
In Lapu-Lapu City, Representative Paz Radaza led the distribution of these toolkits to 100 scholars.
Her office partnered with TESDA for the implementation of the STEP through the accredited schools and training centers in the city.
The scholars took up two courses—20 scholars for shielded metal arc welding and 100 scholars for cookery.
Radaza said the tools and equipment will help the scholars to be self-sufficient and provide for themselves during this crisis.
The scholars received a new frying pan, mixing bowl, chef's knife, measuring cups, chopping board, wooden spoon, saucepan, stockpot, inverter type portable welding machine, welding mask and portable angle grinder.
Under the programs of TESDA, the scholars are not only taught the necessary skills. They are also given allowances and the tools and equipment they need.
“Mao nga ganahan kaayo ko sa atong mga programa sa TESDA. Total package gyud. That is why, as your congresswoman, I work hard for the successful implementation of its programs in Lapu-Lapu City,” Radaza said in a statement.
Radaza said her office was able to secure an additional P2 million budget for this year.
“So daghan ang makabenepisyo niini nga mga igsoon natong mga Oponganon,” she said.
The trainings of the scholars, she said, will also be helpful for them to be competitive both locally and globally.
“Dako pud ni og tabang alang kaninyo nga dali ra mo makakita og panarbaho kay skills mani ninyo, di man ni mawala ang inyong nakamahuan ug diskarte ninyo sa tagsa ka kaugalingon,” she said.
In the fourth district, Rep. Janice Salimbangon led the distribution of the new starter toolkits to 100 scholars.
These scholars took up body scrub treatment course (25 scholars), facial treatment course (25 scholars), and bread and pastry production (50 scholars)
Aside from this, Salimbangon led the distribution of Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Livelihood Assistant Grant (LAG) to over 700 beneficiaries in the five towns in her district.
The towns were Sta. Fe, Madredijos, Bantayan, Daanbantayan and Medellin with 125 beneficiaries in each town.
LAG is part of the recovery and rehabilitation program under the Bayanihan 2 Social Amelioration Program. — KQD (FREEMAN)