Leadership Visit Strengthens TESDA Commitment at PTC Davao

Strong leadership is best demonstrated through engagement, collaboration, and a shared vision for progress. This was evident when Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III, Regional Director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region XI, conducted an official site visitation at the Provincial Training Center Davao on November 7, 2025.

The Regional Director was warmly welcomed by the center’s employees led by Center Administrator Sammy S. Cameros. The visit marked Director Mapandi’s first engagement with the training center following her recent appointment.

During the activity, Director Mapandi met with staff and trainees, observed ongoing training sessions, and reviewed the center’s facilities and program implementation. The interaction provided an opportunity to exchange insights, strengthen coordination between the regional and provincial levels, and reaffirm TESDA’s commitment to delivering accessible and high-quality technical education and skills development.

The visit served as an encouraging moment for the PTC Davao community, highlighting the importance of leadership support in advancing TESDA’s mission of empowering individuals and communities through relevant skills training and lifelong learning opportunities.

Breaking the Silence: Empowering Communities Through Mental Health Awareness

Mental health is no longer a silent struggle—it is a conversation that communities must courageously embrace. Recognizing the growing importance of emotional well-being, the Provincial Training Center (PTC) Davao brought mental health awareness closer to the grassroots through a meaningful community training held on November 07, 2025, at Barangay Sto. Niño, Tugnok District, Davao City.

The Mental Health Awareness Training gathered community members in a learning environment that encouraged openness, understanding, and support. The activity aimed to deepen participants’ awareness of mental health, help them recognize early signs of mental health concerns, and equip them with practical strategies to promote emotional resilience within their families and communities.

The session featured Mr. Cesar S. Sumbiling Jr., Registered Social Worker, who shared valuable insights on the realities of mental health challenges and the importance of compassion, empathy, and timely support. Through his engaging discussion, participants learned how mental health affects daily life and why creating a supportive community environment is vital in helping individuals cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties.

Facilitating the activity was Mr. Jonathan D. Samillano of PTC Davao, who guided participants through interactive discussions and practical learning activities. His facilitation encouraged active participation, allowing attendees to share experiences, ask questions, and reflect on how they can become advocates for mental well-being in their own communities.

Throughout the training, participants gained a clearer understanding of mental health concepts, discovered available local support resources, and learned simple yet effective techniques for managing stress and maintaining emotional balance.

More than just a learning session, the activity became a safe space where conversations about mental health were welcomed—breaking stigma and strengthening the community’s collective commitment to care for one another.

Through initiatives like this, PTC Davao continues to demonstrate that technical education and community development go hand in hand, nurturing not only skills for livelihood but also the well-being of the people they serve. The training left participants empowered with knowledge, compassion, and a renewed commitment to building a community where mental health matters and no one struggles alone. [JD Samillano / CA Noynay - SMAC]