THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority distributed toolkits to scholars who completed its Special Training for Employment Program.

On February 10, TESDA chief Isidro Lapeña led the turnover of toolkits to 30 STEP scholars from the National Capital Region at the TESDA Complex.

Lapeña said TESDA does not only aim to train and equip Filipinos with skills they need to have a stable job or sustainable livelihood but also provides them with tools and equipment they could use to practice what they learned and start earning.

“I am very happy to see all of you receiving your toolkits. I hope that you will use these to uplift your lives and help you overcome the challenges that this pandemic has brought us. Now, you can start your own livelihood and pursue a more comfortable life as envisioned by President Rodrigo Duterte,” he said.

TESDA regional and provincial offices distributed 128,513 starter toolkits for the qualifications under the sectors of agriculture, construction, health and wellness, and food and beverages.

Also, toolkits were distributed to 249 STEP scholars from eight villages in Quezon City. The event was attended by Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto.

In Pampanga, TESDA-III Regional Director Balmyrson Valdez led the distribution of toolkits for 121 scholars from two different Technical Vocational Institutions in the province.

Around 75 STEP scholars in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur also received their starter kits during a ceremonial turnover held at Del Gallego Central School Multi-Purpose Hall. The scholars were trained in Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, and Cake Making leading to Bread and Pastry Production NC II.

Meanwhile, 45 STEP scholars in Bread and Pastry Production NC II received their starter toolkits last February 17 at the Provincial Training Center of Northern Samar handed by TESDA officials.

Aside from starter toolkits, scholars were also given free training and assessment, daily allowance and an entrepreneurial seminar.

TESDA Regional and Provincial Offices in Mindanao have also begun distributing starter toolkits for their STEP scholars.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I holders in Misamis Oriental received their toolkits from TESDA-X last February 18, as well as STEP scholars in the town of Tubod, Lanao del Norte last February 16 which was facilitated by Lanao Norte National Agro-Industrial School.

TESDA expects to distribute starter toolkits to 139,200 STEP 2019 beneficiaries all over the country.