THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority’s Women’s Center conducted a hybrid mass graduation for over 1,000 scholars who finished their respective courses in 2020 and 2021.

In line with its 24th anniversary celebration, the institution held its traditional TWC closing ceremonies with the theme “Bigay ng TESDA, Hatid ay Pagbangon sa Gitna ng Pandemya.”

A total of 1,007 scholars of the TWC’s 17 competency-based training programs attended the graduation held on April 26 at the institution’s Tandang Sora Hall. Only 51 scholars attended the ceremony in person while the others joined via virtual platform.

In his message, TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to make better use of the skills they have gained in the course of their training.

“The skills you acquired from the trainings we have provided serves as your ticket to a better future,” Lapeña said.

“I hope that all of you will continue to improve. Do not stop learning. Take advantage of the opportunities to learn, grow, and to innovate,” the TESDA chief added.

Meanwhile, Hindon Usman, a graduate of Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, thanked TESDA for providing the training as she shared that she lost her job abroad because of the pandemic.

“Marami akong natutunan sa programang ito na maaari kong i-apply sa trabaho o kaya sa aking tirahan. Bilang isa sa mga trainee, isang pribilehiyo na maipagkaloob [sa akin] ang aking nakamit na NC II dahil [ito] ang nagbigay [sa akin] ng kaalaman at kasanayan na kailangan bilang isang electrician,” Usman said.

The TWC, formally known as National Vocational Training and Development Center for Women, is also set to hold its 24th anniversary celebration on April 28 with the theme “TWC@24: Leading in Skills Development and Empowerment if Juanas through TVET.”