TESDA inks MOA with Baguio City to empower more skilled workers
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for strengthening the technical education and skills development programs that will provide employment and livelihood opportunities. The ceremonial signing was held at the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) on February 19, 2022.
The signatory witnesses to the MOA signing were TESDA Cordillera Regional Director Jeffrey Ian C. Dy and RTESDC Chair and Baguio Councilor Atty. Betty Lourdes F. Tabanda.
Under the MOA, TESDA will deliver/implement free skills training programs to the constituents of Baguio City and to provide tools, equipment, supplies, and materials and other resources required by the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) Scholarship Programs namely; Training for Work Scholarship (TWSP) , Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) , and Rice Extension Services Program (RESP) to deserving Filipinos.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong expressed his gratitude to TESDA for the quick response on the partnership and proposed strategic projects by the City Government of Baguio that will benefit the constituents of Baguio City and the nearby areas. He mentioned the catalytic projects such as the Market Development, Intermodal Transport Terminal, Sewerage System, Smart Mobility and Transportation, Digital Transportation Center, and Athletic bowl development that will require skilled workers.
“We want to make sure that we have adequate jobs for our skilled workers and professionals. Kaya malaking bagay ang ginagawa ngayon ng TESDA,” he said.
Mayor Magalong also offered a space for the TESDA Baguio-Benguet office within the Convention Center that is closer to clients.
The responsibilities of the City Government of Baguio are: to designate and select individuals, or members of various sectors, who shall participate in the training and capacity building sessions, provide an appropriate venue for the effective delivery of skills training programs and to provide tools, equipment, supplies and materials, and other resources required for short-term livelihood programs delivered through community-based training approach.
Likewise, Secretary Lapeña also expressed their gratitude to Baguio, under the leadership of Mayor Magalong, for their continuing support to TESDA programs, services and initiatives.
“With this Agreement, we would be able to help our Kababayans here in Baguio City and in nearby areas obtain better employment and livelihood opportunities especially during this time of pandemic,” he said.
The Secretary also assured the continued partnership in bringing the needed skills training program for better career and livelihood opportunities, particularly those in the marginalized sector. ### / Photo courtesy of TESDA – CAR Office
