MORE than 1,000 transport cooperative members and their dependents have completed various tech-voc training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority under the Tsuper Iskolar program in Region XII.

TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu expressed his continuing support for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, and assured that the affected drivers, operators and their dependents will receive necessary assistance, particularly skills training from TESDA.

“TESDA aims to improve our PUV drivers’ livelihood and skill sets through the Tsuper Iskolar program. Ultimately, the scholarship program will increase their potential to explore more sources of livelihood and raise their standard of living,” Mangudadatu said.

The TESDA chief encouraged drivers, operators, and their family members to get in touch with any TESDA office to find out where they may participate in the Tsuper Iskolar program. By doing so, they will be given the opportunity to acquire new skills that will enable them to launch their own business or pursue new employment prospects.

It can be recalled TESDA has been implementing the Tsuper Iskolar Scholarship Program with the Department of Transportation since 2019, intended for jeepney drivers and other stakeholders under the PUVMP.

In the Tsuper Iskolar program, drivers, operators, and their family members who have been displaced or otherwise affected by the PUVMP are entitled to free tech-voc skills training, and assessment, and certification. They shall also receive a training allowance of P350/day (for a maximum of 35 days).

According to TESDA Region XII, the said beneficiaries received their Certificates of Training during the 125th anniversary program of the DOTr in General Santos City which was graced by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista and TESDA Region XII Director Rafael Abrogar Jr., representing Secretary Mangudadatu.

The beneficiaries, who are from different provinces in the region, underwent various training in driving, construction, and automotive, among others.

They are members of various transport cooperatives in the region such as United Transport Operators and Drivers Services Cooperative, Gensan Alliance Transport Cooperative, Metro Gensan Transport Cooperative, Datu Paglas Transport Cooperative, and Modelong Tricycle Drivers in Gensan Transport Cooperative.

“By supporting our PUV drivers’ professional growth and empowerment, we are confident that this initiative will result in a more effective, sustainable and passenger-friendly public transportation system,” Mangudadatu added.