The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) RTC-KorPhil, Davao, collaborated with the TESDA Provincial Office and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to celebrate the Culmination Program and Graduation of TUPAD TVET, marking a significant milestone in community development. The ceremony, which took place in New Bataan, Davao de Oro, on March 7, 2024, symbolizes the successful incorporation of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) Workers Program.
This effort, which arose from a strategic partnership between DOLE and TESDA, sought to improve the skills and employability of 250 informal sector workers badly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters. The training program, which focused on COC 2: Produce Organic Vegetables leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II, commenced last December 2023, with assessments conducted from February 6 to 24, 2024.
The Culmination activity was attended by esteemed individuals such as Hon. Gerald Ford N. Balbin, Municipal Mayor of New Bataan. Other notable figures present included Ms. Jan Marie S. Balbin, Council of Women Chairperson/Private Secretary, Dir. Abegail B. Eupeña, Provincial Director of TESDA Davao de Oro, Dir. Neil Allan R. Baban, Provincial Director of DOLE Davao de Oro, Eric T. Valiente, Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE, and Ms. Marilou F. Coloma, Sr. TESDA Specialist of RTC-KorPhil, Davao, representing Engr. Constantino B. Panes Jr., Ed.D., Center Administrator.
The graduation ceremony, which included the formal release of certificates and the awarding of checks, also paid tribute to the dedication of trainers to the five (5) barangays in New Bataan, Davao de Oro, namely, Brgy. Batinao, Brgy. Cogonon, Brgy. Katipunan, Brgy. Magsaysay, and Brgy. Panag. These trainers, including Engr. Lougino A. Miguel, Engr. Ailyn R. Tejero, Ms. Mary Grace A. Pelayo, and Engr. John Rome L. Balbanida, played a crucial role in imparting knowledge and skills to the TUPAD Trainees.
The event demonstrates the transforming impact of joint efforts across government agencies in promoting not only education but also sustainable livelihoods within communities. This graduation symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter for these trainees, who now have the skills and confidence to make important contributions to their communities and beyond.
The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) Workers is the flagship program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), designed to address the livelihood challenges faced by disadvantaged or displaced workers. Launched to aid those severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other calamities, the program operates under the guidelines outlined in Department Order 219-20.
Photo Courtesy: Clark Von Capul