Coordination Meeting with the 534 Engineering Construction Battalion for the implementation of Skills Training at Sitio Ladian

On March 17, 2023, the Provincial Training Center Davao (PTC-Davao) convened a crucial coordination meeting to advance construction skills training programs. The meeting, spearheaded by Acting Center Administrator Engr. Melanie Domingo brought together key persons to strategize the implementation of these critical initiatives.

Present during the meeting were Niel Ven Bacalangco, and Jonathan D. Samillano from PTC-Davao, Engr. Sammy S. Cameros and Nickle S. Maleficio from TESDA-WNAS as well as a team of uniformed personnel from the 534 Engineering Construction Battalion (534 ECB) of the Philippine Army, led by CPT Rodel G. Villanueva.

The meeting centered on the completion of the Training Center at Sitio Ladian, a project that holds immense significance for the Indigenous People in the area. By providing improved facilities and expanding the range of skill training programs, the center aims to create new opportunities for skill development and employment.

This initiative aligns with TESDA's commitment to inclusive education and community development, demonstrating its dedication to reaching underserved populations and equipping them with valuable skills for improved livelihoods.

The coordination meeting laid the groundwork for a structured approach to completing the Training Center at Sitio Ladian, likely discussing timelines, resource allocation, and strategies for engaging the local community in the training programs.

This collaborative effort between TESDA and the 534 ECB Philippine Army serves as a model for future initiatives, highlighting the potential of partnerships between educational institutions and other sectors in driving community development and empowerment.

DLPC AND ABOITIZ FOUNDATION GIVE A NEW LOOK TO EIM NC II TRADE AREA

The Provincial Training Center – Davao (PTC-Davao) has recently undergone a significant enhancement of its Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) facilities, thanks to a generous contribution from Davao Light and Power Co., Inc., in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation. This substantial investment, valued at 2.4 million pesos, marks a pivotal moment in the center's ability to provide top-tier vocational training in the electrical field.

The donation encompasses a comprehensive renovation of the existing EIM facility, along with the provision of state-of-the-art tools and equipment. This upgrade is set to revolutionize the learning experience for trainees, offering them access to modern resources that align closely with industry standards.

This initiative is part of a broader vision shared by Davao Light and the Aboitiz Foundation, the social development arm of the Aboitiz Group. Their collaborative effort aims to foster the development of a skilled workforce, focusing on producing competent electricians. The ultimate goal is to ensure that PTC-Davao's EIM program graduates are thoroughly prepared for immediate employment upon successfully completing TESDA's National Certification (NC) II.

The newly renovated facility and updated equipment will enable PTC-Davao to offer more comprehensive and practical training. Trainees will now work with industry-standard tools and in an environment that closely mimics real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience is crucial in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, a key factor in producing work-ready graduates.

This generous contribution from Davao Light and the Aboitiz Foundation underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing vocational education. By investing in PTC-Davao's infrastructure and resources, these organizations are not only improving the quality of education but also directly contributing to the economic development of the region by helping to create a more skilled and competent workforce.

The impact of this upgrade extends beyond the immediate benefits to the trainees. It positions PTC-Davao as a leading institution for EIM training in the region, potentially attracting more students and industry partnerships. Furthermore, it aligns with TESDA's mission to provide high-quality technical education and skills development programs that meet the demands of an evolving job market.

As PTC-Davao integrates these new resources into its curriculum, it is expected to see an increase in the number of successful NC II certifications among its graduates. This, in turn, will lead to higher employment rates and better career prospects for those entering the electrical installation and maintenance field.

Releasing of 1st Tranche Allowance for Driving NC II

The Provincial Training Center Davao represented by Ms. Ira Monica M. Tan, RPM, Technical Staff, and Mr. Cherwyn Arthur Montemayor, Driving NC II Trainer, distributed the first tranche of the training support fund for Driving NC II qualification on February 15, 2023, at Mintal Police Station in Brgy. Mintal, Tugbok District of Davao City. 

The fifteen (15) beneficiaries received their uniform and new normal allowance under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

15TH ANNUAL JOB FAIR (Trabaho Para Sa Katawhan)

On February 3, 2023, Ira Monica M. Tan, RPM, and Nichole A. Suad, Provincial Training Center–Davao Technical Staff, attended the 15th Annual Job Fair dubbed as Trabaho Para Sa kitchen in Mintal District Hall, Tugbok District, Davao City. Councilor Enzo Villafuerte, City Councilor of Davao City’s 3rd District, spearheaded the activity. There were over 70 job seekers at the job fair. Different agencies attended the event from the government and private sectors, including the Provincial Training Center–Davao, TESDA–Wangan National Agricultural School, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other private sectors.

Nichole A. Suad introduced TESDA and the various scholarships. Ira Monica M. Tan, RPM, distributed flyers of the qualifications offered by PTC–Davao with the personnel from TESDA–WNAS. They assisted 29 job seekers,13 males and 16 females.

MY HOLY LAND FARMING EXPERIENCE! A Success Story of John Paul Olandria

“TESDA PTC–Davao is the key to rev up my Israel Agro-studies”, quips John Paul Olandria, a 27-year-old hopeful from Mintal, Tugbok District, Davao City. His journey to secure a slot for the Agro-studies internship in Israel was challenging because he lacked the requirements to support his bid. However, with his persistence and his family’s encouragement, he prospered. In October 2022, he fulfilled one of his bucket lists as he set his footprints on the Holy Land.

Jepoy, as his family and friends called him, graduated from the University of Southeastern Philippines–College of Development Management (USEP-CDM) Campus in Mintal, Davao City. He graduated Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Agricultural Business Management, and passed the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists, which made him a licensed agriculturist. 

He confessed that even though he was in agriculture studies before, and had already tackled the principles of agriculture, it did not provide additional necessary skills while studying at the university. It prompted him to continue his studies.

He enrolled in Organic Agriculture Production NC II at TESDA Provincial Training Center–Davao. He remarked that “the institution provides very effective skills on trades. It further enhances your knowledge in your specialization, even if you are already in the industry.” He shared further that he took the qualification in OAP NC II, which enriched his understanding of the ideologies of the organic way of farming and trained him a lot of inputs not using synthetic as opposed to the usual conventional farming where excessive use of these artificial chemicals is present. The ideas they teach about organic farming principles conform to the country's standards, which is why every trainee who took the program from TESDA PTC–Davao institution becomes confident enough to be equipped with natural farming.

While attending his OAP NC II training, he learned about the Agro-studies internship program in Israel offered by TESDA to young and aspiring Filipino agriculturists. He pursued his interest and secured the documents needed for his internship application. After his OAP NC II training in July 2022, he took the national assessment and secured the National Certificate Level II. Then, he accomplished his community-based training on Trainers Methodology Level I at the Regional Training Center–KorPhil in Buhisan, Tibungco, Davao City. After his productive stints at TESDA, he continued applying for the Agro-studies internship grant in Israel. All his hardships paid off when his name was listed among the successful applicants. On October 21, 2022, he flew to Israel together with other young agriculturists.  

He shared, “Although the training is still ongoing, I can observe a big difference of improvement in terms of knowledge, and I am positive that it elevates my confidence–it equipped me with agriculture principles. I think there is a gap between the knowledge that is being taught in the Philippine Academes compared to the Israel Agro-studies. But in terms of hands-on skills, TESDA can cope with international practice.”

He added that the most remarkable experience he had from the Agro-studies was the field trips in demo farms, where they could see the operations and production protocol of different farms and be able to understand the topics taught through actual demonstrations. Plus, the experience of working with different people coming from different nations and cultures.

The Agro-studies run for eleven months and provide a unique internship training in agriculture, combining advanced studies and based on the ‘learning by doing' method in various agricultural fields. 

After his internship, he plans to venture into the propagation production of herbs and ornamental plants, just like from the farm he worked with. Also, he sees himself in teaching and transferring the knowledge he gained to other people, especially the youth. [Jonathan D. Samillano–SMAC Focal]