THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority  will build more training centers and will expand its existing facilities in a bid to further boost the country’s technical education.

TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña inked pacts with the chief executives of various local government units in Visayas and Mindanao to facilitate the construction of provincial training centers.

During his visit in Misamis Oriental on Saturday, Lapeña led the groundbreaking rites for the Provincial Training Center building in Libertad town.

He thanked Libertad Mayor Leonardo Uy Jr. for giving TESDA the opportunity to boost the Technical and Vocational Education and Training services in the province and nearby towns. More TESDA courses will be offered once the training center is up.

“Our partnership for PTC-Misamis Oriental will help increase economic activity here in the province. With the PTC providing easier access to skills training, we will be able to produce more skilled individuals who will be ready for a job or livelihood after,” Lapeña said.

Last Friday, Lapeña and Mayor Eduardo Relacion of Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur signed the Deed of Donation for the 3,000 square meter-lot where the provincial training center will be erected.

Governor Victor Yu also witnessed the event.

Lapeña thanked Rep. Divina Grace Yu, also present during the event, for sponsoring House Bill 7342 which provides for the establishment of the training and assessment center in Libangan.

On the same day, he signed a Usufruct Agreement with the provincial government of Lanao del Norte for the 1,000 square meter-lot provision for a PTC that will be constructed in the town of Tubod.  Vice Governor Cristina Atay represented Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo during the signing.

The TESDA chief was also joined by Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co and TESDA-IX Regional Director Dan Navarro in Friday’s inauguration of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster Innovation Facility in the city.

In his message, Lapeña said that the Innovation Center will cater to all barangay cooperatives developed by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster.

Meanwhile, a new PTC will be constructed in Siquijor province after Lape؜ña and Governor Zaldy Villa inked the usufruct agreement on  January 20.

On January 19, Lapeña signed another Deed of Usufruct with Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo which will provide a 1,000 square meter-lot for the PTC-Dumaguete.

Lapeña expressed his gratitude to all the local government units for acknowledging the importance of TVET by extending their support to TESDA.

The TESDA chief eyes to build a training center in every province.