SOME 250 inmates at the Manila City Jail graduated Friday after finishing their training courses from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

They were awarded TESDA National Certificate II after undergoing 15 days of lectures and practical exercises and passing the assessment.

TESDA and the management of the Manila City Jail hope that the course will help the inmates find income faster once they regain their freedom.

“Natuwa tayo na inuna nila itong construction-related, because there is a big demand,” TESDA-Metro Manila Director Florencio Sunico Jr. said.

“‘Yung employment talaga na madali, and we’re looking at kung hindi man wage employment na maghanap pa sila ng employer, sila na mismo. Ito yung target natin na self-employed. Magagamit talaga nila. They can form into cooperatives, they can form into groups that they can use their skills,” he added.

Manila City Jail Male Dorm Spokesperson JO1 Elmar Jacobe said that the program will help inmates find in-demand jobs, such as construction.

“Ang programa ng ating government ay more on sa construction… Inihahanda natin sila kung ano ang demand sa community balang araw. Ang tile-setting ay isa sa mga magandang preparasyon para sa ating mga PDL (person deprived of liberty) at the same time, in demand din ang tile-setting sa ibang bansa,” he said.

“Karamihan sa ating mga PDL ngayon, dahil wala naman silang ibang pinagkakaabalahan, at gusto nila magkaroon ng makabuluhang pag-stay sa ating piitan, mas minamabuti nilang mag-aral. Minsan yung mga classrooms natin punuan,” Jacobe added.