SENATORS Alan and Pia Cayetano have provided support to at least 75 students who graduated from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Bread and Pastry Production NCII course in Malabon City.

“Salamat po at nabigyan kami ng opportunity. Hindi po lahat ay may kakayahan na magbayad para makapag-aral,” said pizza store owner Marselina Caturan, one of the 75 students who graduated at the St. Michael Archangel Technological Institution.

“Napakalaking bagay na matuto nang libre. Marami pa po sana kayong matutulungan,” she added.

The Special Training for Employment Program training program was held by the TESDA in partnership with SMATI and the Cayetano siblings.

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

Under STEP, the Bread and Pastry Production NC II graduates completed four training sections: Qualification, Competency Standards, Training Standards, and National Assessment and Certification.

Maria Ann Artan, who is turning 60, said the completion of the bread and pastry training course will help her and her husband in their livelihood.

“Kaming mag-asawa, going to senior na, at least ito mayroon na kaming mapag-uumpisahan,” she said.

“Malaking pasasalamat sa magkapatid. Handa po silang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan na magkaroon ng pangkabuhayan na panimula. Ayun po ang kailangang-kailangan ng bawat Pilipino,” she added.

Throughout the training, the students received support and allowances from the offices of the Cayetanos, in partnership with TESDA District Director Leonardo Pinlac, SMATI CEO Victor Columbus Canta, SMATI Vice President for Operations Jenny Absalon, and SMATI Academic Director Bon Jovi Sebastian.

Senators Alan and Pia also gave aprons to the students upon receiving their certificates as a graduation gift.

The sibling senators have supported TESDA students in other cities, recently providing allowances and tool kits to Albay students during their training.

Senator Alan has also emphasized the importance of TESDA certification, expressing his support for the agency and its contribution to enhancing technical education in the country.