Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District) led the distribution of starter toolkits to 88 scholars of the 2020 Special Training for Employment Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at separate programs in E.B. Magalona and Murcia on Tuesday, November 9.
The office of Benitez partnered with TESDA to facilitate the conduct of community-based specialty training programs to promote livelihood and employment opportunities for the underprivileged and displaced workers in the barangays, a press release said.
Acting Provincial TESDA Director Romelia Nuezca thanked Benitez for the support and participation of all cities and municipalities of the Third District, enabling them to teach and provide skills to many beneficiaries, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The turn-over program held at the EB Magalona Public Plaza gathered the beneficiaries from Victorias – Organic Agriculture Production: 25 trainees for Produce Organic Fertilizer, and another 20 trainees for Produce Concoctions and Extracts. Ten Talisay residents trained on Cookery, while 13 beneficiaries in EB Magalona underwent Shielded Metal Arc Welding training.
EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon welcomed Benitezo and TESDA Director Nuezca. He was joined by Councilors Jovie Madayag, Jun Gomed, Joey Pugales, ReylanGamboa Jr., Edgardo Agravante Jr. and SK president Edgar Jun Agravante.
Another program was held in Murcia for the 20 scholars on Organic Agriculture Production: Raise Organic Hogs. Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas thanked Benitez and TESDA for the program, and was joined by Vice Mayor Johnny Reosura and Councilors Carlito Yu Jr., Belen Magbanua, Jose Gomez, Adrian Olimpo Sr., Alfredo Villarosa, ABC president Hernan Alintana. Also present were Sonia Macapagal and Nicanor Constantino of Asenso Murcia.
All the trainees were given free training, completed competency assessment and were provided a daily allowance of P 150 for the duration of the program.
The tool kits consisted of equipment and aids to start a project – cooking utensils and gadgets for cookery; portable welding machine, angle grinder, welding helmet for welding; knapsack sprayer, weighing scale, shovel, sprinkler, wheelbarrow for organic agriculture, the press release said.
Twenty-five beneficiaries from Silay City who completed the dressmaking training, are waiting for the schedule of turn-over of starter toolkits.*