On March 22, 2023, the 534th Engineer Construction Battalion, 52nd Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army, represented by CPT Rodel G. Villanueva, together with 1LT Xon Ymr Zoe R. Samillano and SSG Rene E. Aba-a, paid a visit to the Regional Training Center – Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center (RTC-KPVTC) Davao. They were welcomed by Center Administrator Engr. Constantino B. Panes, Jr., Ed.D, Supervising TESD Specialist Gil D. Gonzales, Training Department Head Mario M. dela Cerna, and Senior TESD Specialist Marilou F. Coloma at the Center Administrator’s Office.
The purpose of their visit was to discuss a proposed Inter-Local Agency Partnership (ILAP) between the 534th Engineer Construction Battalion, 52nd Brigade, Philippine Army and TESDA XI RTC-KPVTC Davao in coordination with the other TESDA Training Institutions in Davao District, in consonance with the prior talk between brigade officials and acting TESDA XI Regional Director, Rey M. Cueva. The proposal focuses on RTC-KPVTC Davao providing vocational training to Indigenous People (IP) in Sitio Ladian, Marilog District, Davao City, and from the 534th Engineer Construction Battalion. The identified skills for training cum project are in line with Carpentry NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II, Masonry NC & NC III, Plumbing NC II, Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II, Gas Metal Welding (GMAW) NC II, and Construction Painting NC II.
The partnership aims to provide quality vocational training to the members of the Philippine Army and IP’s in Sitio Ladian and equip them with the necessary skills for construction-related jobs, applying it in completing a school building in the sitio. This initiative empowers our troops and makes them capable of contributing to nation-building beyond their military duties, likewise reaching out to the Indigenous People in the area.
Engr. Panes and Mr. Gonzales expressed their excitement for this collaboration, stating that this is an excellent opportunity to showcase the capabilities of RTC-KPVTC Davao and to support the Philippine Army’s efforts towards national development.
Both the 534th Engineer Construction Battalion, 52nd Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army and the Training Center will conclude the review of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to finalize the collaborative efforts.
