THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority expressed its support for the newly launched Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan or KALINISAN project of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

In a statement, Mangudadatu encouraged TESDA employees to be active contributors in supporting the KALINISAN project.

“TESDA is one with the DILG and other national government agencies in promoting environment preservation. I encourage every TESDAn to support and participate in this project. Further, we laud the DILG’s initiative to raise public awareness and participation in environmental responsibilities and proper waste management through the KALINISAN project,” the TESDA chief said.

Launched on January 6, the KALINISAN project is a new convergence effort from the DILG that aims to uphold the spirit of Bayanihan while facilitating community engagement and maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

TESDA Deputy Director General Ancito Bertiz III, representing Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, personally joined the launching at the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila.

Suharto also added that TESDA has existing training programs that promote environmental protection, sustain biodiversity, and minimize, if not prevent, environmental degradation.

Under the TESDA Online Program, the agency offers free online courses such as Exercising Sustainable Development in the Workplace, Orienting Oneself to Environmentally Sustainable Work Standards, and Performing Solid Waste Management in the Workplace. The TOP is accessible through www.e-tesda.gov.ph.

Likewise, in August 2018, TESDA issued Circular No. 58 defining guidelines for Greening the TVET system in the country, resulting in the formulation and implementation of several TESDA training regulations aimed at promoting green technology.

These include training regulations in pest management, photovoltaic systems, hydroponics, vertical gardening, carbon emissions, and seaweed farming. TESDA, particularly through its Green Technology Center, has been very active in this undertaking.

“We encourage the general public to enroll in these courses to enhance their knowledge of environment preservation and green practices,” the TESDA chief added.