by Franklin P. Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY, April 1 (PIA) - - Scholarship grants for technical-vocational courses are open to all regardless of religion, tribe and political affiliations.
This was the statement of Secretary Joel Villanueva, director-general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) before the members of the press during his visit here recently.
“Any individual can avail himself of the TESDA scholarship program so long as he/she passes/meets the requirements,” Villanueva said.
Villanueva also clarified that elective officials like congressmen are welcome to extend their financial support to TESDA’s programs but still “it is the agency that decides and has full control over its programs.”
“What is important here is that an applicant must pass the screening process and meet other requirements set by TESDA,” he explained.
During his visit, the TESDA chief also launched the “TESDA Specialista” program, which is designed to provide employment opportunities to tech-voc graduates.
Under this program, the beneficiaries would undergo training on short-term courses such as hair dressing, manicure, driving mechanic and others complete with start-up kits.
After the training, the graduates are advised to take the competency assessment test. Once they passed, they would be issued a certification in order for them to qualify for high-paying jobs here and abroad.
Other skilled workers and returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are likewise urged to take the assessment test to get certified. (FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)
