THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority will reskill and upskill close to 3,000 fisherfolk affected by the recent oil spill in Mindoro province.

TESDA will provide various training programs to 2,900 residents from the municipalities of Naujan, Pola, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro to give them alternative livelihood opportunities.

The training programs include Oil Spill Response Training, Meat and Fish Processing, Bread Making, Hog Raising, Dressmaking, Service Motorcycle Small Engine System, Small Engine Repair, Pastry Making and Sugar Concentration, among others.

The Competency-based Curriculum on Oil Spill Response Training was developed by the Simeon Suan Vocational and Technical College in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro.

TESDA Director General Danilo Cruz said that they are ready to assist the affected citizens in terms of skills training and livelihood programs.

He added that these training programs shall help the beneficiaries find permanent employment.

“Hindi lang temporary employment ang ibinibigay ng DOLE, may component ‘yan na training. Bago ang temporary employment, kailangan ma-train din ang ating mga kababayan sapagkat after ng temporary employment, kailangan nilang magkaroon ng permanenteng trabaho,” Cruz said.

“TESDA is here to provide relevant training programs as part of the collective action to support the upskilling and reskilling of displaced workers areas and ensure the well-being of all affected Filipinos,” the TESDA chief said.