THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority will conduct construction-related skills training to residents affected by Typhoon Odette.

Several TESDA regional and provincial offices have started their “Tesdamayan” activities in the communities affected by the typhoon.

“Tesdamayan” is the agency’s banner program that aims to aid communities affected by any crisis brought by natural calamities, disasters or any other untoward incidents.

TESDA Region VI deployed several personnel from the field offices in the affected areas to help rebuild damaged buildings and to conduct clearing operations.

The Provincial Training Center–Kabankalan in Negros Occidental also installed solar-powered free charging stations for the residents who need to recharge their mobile phones.

In Region VIII, meanwhile, food packs, clean water and used clothing were distributed.

Tesda is preparing for other interventions to be provided by its provincial offices.

In Region XIII, PTC – Agusan Del Norte provided food, bottled water and face masks to some 225 individuals in Brgy. Humilog in the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez last December 18.

In a memorandum, TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña reiterated his previous directive to all regional and provincial offices to immediately prepare training programs in areas affected by disasters and natural calamities.

Field offices, according to Lapeña, shall provide community-based training and training-cum production on construction-related qualifications to make the affected residents capable of rebuilding their houses.

“I have directed our regional and provincial offices to expedite the provision of training on construction-related courses such as Carpentry and Electrical Installation so the displaced residents can immediately rebuild their homes. May 160 pesos allowance per day pa silang matatanggap,” the TESDA chief said.

“Since it will also take some time before electric power is restored in these areas, there will also be training on solar panel installation, the Photovoltaic Systems Installation, so that solar power can be generated,” Lapeña added.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of calamity in areas battered by Typhoon Odette, particularly Mimaropa (Region IV-B), Western Visayas (Region VI), Central Visayas (Region VII), Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), Northern Mindanao (Region X), and Caraga (Region XIII).

“Despite the pandemic, TESDA is here to provide relevant training programs as part of the collective action to support the rehabilitation of these disaster-stricken areas and ensure the well-being of all affected Filipinos,” Lapeña said.