AROUND 160 students who took up Technical and Vocational Education Training under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Albay expressed gratitude to Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for helping them complete their training.

The students, who trained at the TESDA-accredited Sunshine International School Foundation in Daraga, said the Cayetanos’ provision of allowance and tool kits encouraged them to do well in their training.

Aira Uy, one of the students who took up dressmaking, said that her newly acquired skills will help boost their family’s textile business.

“Thank you very much po kila Senador Alan Peter at Pia Cayetano for sponsoring us. I understand po na bukod sa schooling at sa mga gamit, we can receive other benefits through your offices,” Uy said.

“Sana patuloy nyo pa po suportahan at tulungan ang iba’t-ibang school na nag-offer ng TESDA para sa tulad namin na gusto pa makapag-acquire ng additional skills para magamit sa negosyo,” she added.

The students took up qualifications under two TESDA programs, namely the Training for Work Scholarship Program and the Special Training for Employment Program.

TWSP is a scholarship program that aims to provide skilled workers in priority sectors — both local and overseas — such as engineering and metals, tourism, construction, and the Business Process Outsourcing industry.

Meanwhile, STEP trains the students in skills and opportunities for entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities. It also aims to expand their employability and productivity in local communities.

Under TWSP, 47 students took up Dressmaking and Bread and Pastry Production while 108 students qualified in STEP through Bread and Pastry Production, Cookery, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance.

Throughout their training which ran from October to December 2023, the Cayetanos sponsored their tool kits and provided allowances, in partnership with Legazpi City Councilor JP Lee.

TESDA Albay Provincial Director Glo Macabuhay-Sese, TESDA Albay Representative Ging Atienza, Sunshine International School Director Dr. Ofelia Peralta, School President Dr. Dominador Peralta Jr., and School Administrator Luis Gonzales also said the students flourished in tech-voc.

Before the end of their graduation, the senators’ team provided the graduates with aprons and shirts as gifts for their new vocation.

As champions of technical education, the Cayetanos have supported free TESDA training in various cities and provinces.

During the 2024 budget hearing, Senator Alan also expressed his “support to the TESDA family” as it works to improve the quality of technical education in the country as well as the mindset of the people about TESDA diplomas.