Empowering Communities Through Skills: TESDA PTC–Davao’s Pinay Technicians Caravan at Barangay Bago Oshiro

On May 21, 2026, TESDA Provincial Training Center – Davao proudly participated in the celebration of the 36th Year Araw ng Barangay Bago Oshiro through the conduct of the Pinay Technicians Caravan held at Barangay Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District, Davao City. The activity served as a meaningful community outreach initiative aimed at providing accessible domestic appliance repair services while promoting women empowerment, technical excellence, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for trained female technicians.

The activity was led by Engr. Sammy S. Cameros, Center Administrator of PTC–Davao, together with Jonathan D. Samillano, Vocational Instruction Supervisor-Designate, and EPAS NC II Trainers, Cipriano R. Rada Jr. and Cezar Aaron A. Noynay. The team expressed their sincere appreciation to Hon. Mark Malaya O. Peregrino, Barangay Captain, and Hon. Emi B. Bajao, Barangay Kagawad, for warmly welcoming TESDA PTC–Davao and supporting the successful implementation of the activity. The presence and visit of local officials, including Hon. Alberto T. Ungab, Hon. Potpot Villafuerte, and Hon. Enzo Villafuerte, City Councilors, further strengthened the partnership between the local government and TESDA in promoting community-based skills and livelihood initiatives.

As part of the caravan, trained women in Domestic Appliance Repair demonstrated their acquired technical competencies by assisting residents in repairing damaged and malfunctioning household appliances. Through this initiative, community members were able to avail themselves of affordable and reliable repair services, helping families minimize household expenses and extend the usability of their appliances. More importantly, the activity showcased the competence, professionalism, and growing role of women in technical-vocational trades traditionally dominated by men, inspiring greater recognition and appreciation for Pinay technicians in the community.

Beyond community service, the caravan also created valuable livelihood and income-generating opportunities for the participating Pinay Technicians. By directly engaging with clients, the women technicians were able to expand their networks, gain potential long-term customers, and strengthen their confidence in providing technical services independently. The activity highlighted the real-life application of TESDA-acquired competencies while encouraging entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and economic empowerment among women graduates.

To ensure an organized and efficient service process, customers were instructed to scan a QR Code for registration prior to availing of repair services. Upon registration, clients were informed of the corresponding service fees to be charged after the repair, ensuring transparency and smooth coordination between the technicians and customers throughout the activity.

The successful conduct of the Pinay Technicians Caravan demonstrated TESDA PTC–Davao’s unwavering commitment to empowering communities through technical vocational education and skills development. More than a simple outreach activity, the caravan became a platform that empowered women, strengthened community partnerships, promoted inclusive livelihood opportunities, and showcased the transformative impact of skills training in improving lives and communities.

TESDA, BEPA AND LGUs EMPOWER COMMUNITIES THROUGH ELECTRICAL SKILLS TRAINING

TESDA Davao City District Office, along with the Provincial Training Center – Davao and Barangay Electricians Practitioners Administration (BEPA), launched a major initiative in Brgy. Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City on July 22, 2024. The program’s goal is to empower residents and improve community self-sufficiency through Skills Training in Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II.
 
Key figures from local government, technical education, and the power industry have joined forces in this collaborative effort. Among the attendees were City Councilor Alberto T. Ungab of the 3rd District of Davao City, Acting District Director Myrna C. Roa, Center Administrator Engr. Sammy S. Cameros, CTEC Focal Ivy Margate, and Hon. Arnold S. Angit, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Baganihan.
 
BEPA’s leadership, including Engr. Jonathan Medalla, Chairman and Supervisor at Davao Light and Power Company and Vice Chairman Engr. Charlo Deniega, brought industry expertise to the program. Their involvement suggested a curriculum aligned with current industry standards and practices.
 
The initiative targets aspiring electricians from three barangays: Baganihan, Datu Salumay, and Buda. By offering thorough training, the program aims to establish a group of certified barangay electricians. This approach guarantees the presence of skilled professionals in these communities and creates job opportunities for participants.
 
This program represents a forward-thinking approach to community development. By investing in local skills and human capital, it addresses immediate needs for electrical services while potentially stimulating economic growth in these barangays. This program can be a blueprint for similar initiatives elsewhere, showing how focused skills training can empower individuals and strengthen communities.
 
It will be important to track the effects of skills training on employment rates, community electrification projects, and overall electrical service quality in the target barangays. The success of this initiative could create opportunities for expanded training programs and enhanced collaboration between government, TESDA, and industry sectors in meeting community needs.

Releasing of Starter Toolkits to 40 STEP Scholars

Hon. Alberto T. Ungab, City Councilor of Davao City’s 3rd District, led the release of starter toolkits to forty (40) graduates of Bread and Pastry Production NC II under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) on behalf of his brother, Hon. Isidro T. Ungab, Davao City’s 3rd District Congressional Representative on March 7, 2024. The distribution occurred at two separate locations. Firstly, in Brgy. Malagos, Baguio District, where fifteen beneficiaries were covered. Hon. Maria Corazon S. Liong, Barangay Kagawad, warmly welcomed the guests and expressed support for her fellow graduates. Secondly, at the Provincial Training Center – Davao, where twenty-five beneficiaries from the Deca Homes Women's Association in Brgy. Tacunan, Tugbok District, Davao City, got their toolkits.

Every scholar received a toolkit that included a 45-liter Electric Oven and Electric Mixer with all the necessary attachments, which served as their essential equipment for their livelihood undertakings. Hon. Abet Ungab emphasized to the beneficiaries that their endeavors are aimed at securing the future of their families and children. He reiterated the commitment of Congressman Isidro T. Ungab's office to consistently support the STEP scholarship program, especially in providing entrepreneurial assistance to the women's sector.

The toolkit distribution was also attended by Felipe C. Hiquial Jr. – Technical Adviser for Barangays affairs, Jonathan D. Samillano – Supply Officer designate, Jessa Jessah E. Fuerzas – Admin Head Designate, and Rica Jean B. Gascon – Finance Head Designate.

The beneficiaries have expressed eagerness to utilize the skills they acquired in the training and have conveyed immense gratitude for the equipment. This has further motivated them to pursue baking and generate income from their passion.