A NEW training facility intended for powerplant operations will soon rise in Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority said on Tuesday.

The construction of the facility is part of the agreement between TESDA Secretary General Isidro Lapeña and SPC Island Power Corporation President and CEO Dennis Villareal. SIPC donated P4.6 million-worth of powerplant equipment, materials and facilities to the skills development agency.

SIPC donated the Olango Diesel Power Plant which TESDA will convert into a fully equipped powerplant training facility to be known as TESDA – SPC Training Facility.

“Our partnership comes at the most appropriate time as it gives our kababayans, especially in Olango Island, the chance to bounce back from the impact of the calamity,” the TESDA chief said.

Last month, Lapeña visited the Olango Diesel Power Plant and had a meeting with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan to discuss the implementation of TESDA programs in the city and the possible ways to augment the power supply deficit with solar energy.

The training center will offer higher level qualifications related to powerplant operations to the residents of Olango islands and nearby areas.

The TESDA chief said that the agency will soon process the registration of Diploma Programs such as Powerplant Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.

“With the collaborative efforts and cooperation from our public and private partners, the SIPC and local government of Lapu-Lapu City, we are very optimistic that the people of Olango Island will be provided with the necessary assistance to improve their skills and obtain greater employment or livelihood opportunities in the future,” he said.

Villareal said that the partnership will make the future of residents of Olango Island bright.

“I have been told that with this donation, TESDA, under its ‘Abot Lahat Program’, would be able to establish one-of-a-kind training facility for the people of Olango Island,” he said.

Chan thanked the SIPC and TESDA for their assistance to the island especially when Typhoon Odette devastated the area last year.

“This technical training facility will be a great help to residents of Olango islands in generating more income through technical-based livelihood. This will also be an effective mean to boost the tourism industry in our city,” he said.