SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano has recognized the significance of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority certification in advancing technical education, which leads to a more progressive nation.

As advocates of technical education, Cayetano and his sibling Pia Cayetano have supported TESDA students in various cities, recently providing allowances and tool kits to Malabon students during their training.

In line with this, graduates of the TESDA Bread and Pastry Production NCII from Caloocan City thanked the lawmaker siblings for the support they received.

“Nabigyan po kami ng new learnings para makapag-trabaho sa labas ng comfort zone namin,” said Rogie Ganituen, one of the 50 students who graduated at the Integrated Innovation and Hospitality Colleges Inc.

TESDA held the Special Training for Employment Program STEP in partnership with the Cayetano siblings.

STEP is a community-based program that enhances students’ employability and productivity by offering targeted skills training in entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities.

Under STEP, scholars go through four phases of training: Qualification, Competency Standards, Training Standards, and National Assessment and Certification.

Scholars enrolled in this program receive tool kits – including an oven and mixer – and a training allowance which serves as seed capital to start their livelihood endeavors.

Another scholar, Maila Altar, said the course was timely as the price of flour-based food has increased.

“Mahal na po kasi ang presyo ng mga bilihin, lalo na sa mga cakes and breads, mas makakamura kami kasi nakapag-aral kami. Malaking tulong po sa akin ‘yung Bread and Pastry,” she said.

“Ang tulong na ibinigay sa amin ng mga Cayetano… ‘yung tool kit po at oven with mixer,” she added.

The training and graduation were made successful due to the support and efforts of the Assessment Center Manager at IIH Colleges Rosel Dela Cruz, Officer in Charge of IIH College Arjade Bocay, and TESDA Trainer and Assessor Les Navarro.