Whisking Up Opportunities: TESDA Training Inspires Future Home Bakers

For many families, a simple cake can represent more than just a sweet treat—it can become the beginning of a livelihood and a pathway toward financial independence. At the Provincial Training Center–Davao, participants recently discovered how baking can open doors to new opportunities.

On October 04, 2025, a Skills Training in Basic Cake Making was conducted at the Provincial Training Center – Davao, facilitated by Jonathan D. Samillano, a certified Bread and Pastry Production NC II Trainer. The activity gathered 18 enthusiastic participants, composed of Coca-Cola associates, employees, and their dependents. The training was conducted under the supervision of Ms. Rhea Mae M. Baroman, People Operations Partner from the People Team of Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Phils., Inc.

The initiative formed part of the “Unlad Kabuhayan, Atin ‘To” TESDA–Coca-Cola Livelihood Program, which aims to empower the families of Coca-Cola associates nationwide by equipping them with practical and income-generating skills that promote self-sufficiency and resilience.

Throughout the session, participants were guided through the fundamentals of cake making—from proper ingredient measurement and mixing techniques to baking and creative cake decorating. Through hands-on learning and demonstrations, the trainees gained valuable experience in transforming simple ingredients into delightful baked creations.

More than just learning recipes, the training helped build confidence, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking among the participants. Armed with new skills and practical knowledge, many now see baking not only as a hobby but also as a potential small-scale livelihood in bread and pastry production.

The activity highlighted the impact of meaningful partnerships in community development. Through programs like this, families are empowered with skills that can help them create sustainable income opportunities—proving that sometimes, the recipe for a better future begins with learning a simple yet valuable skill.

PTC-Davao and Laba Box Unite to Advance Shared Goals with MOA Signing

On May 24, 2025, a significant milestone in strengthening industry-academe partnerships was achieved with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the TESDA Provincial Training Center - Davao and PVA Marketing Solutions OPC, operating under the trade name "Laba Box." The ceremonial signing took place at Function Room 4 of SMX Davao, with key representatives from both institutions in attendance.

TESDA XI Regional Director Ramon Evan T. Ruiz, Davao City District Office (DCDO) District Director Novielita A. Dispo, and PTC-Davao Center Administrator Engr graced the event. Sammy S. Cameros. Laba Box's founder and CEO, Panela V. Ang, and program officer Shirley Mae Sombrio represented the company.

This partnership is anchored in a shared commitment to elevate technical skills training in the region, particularly in Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing NC II (EPAS NC II). Through this MOA, trainers from PTC-Davao will undergo industry immersion with Laba Box to gain exposure to the latest advancements in digital washing machine technology. This initiative will ensure that the trainers are equipped with current industry practices, which they can impart to their trainees.

Moreover, the agreement outlines provisions for the Supervised Industry Learning (SIL) of EPAS NC II graduates. In undergoing practical, on-site experience with Laba Box, these graduates will gain valuable insights and hands-on skills that will enhance their readiness for employment in the electronics servicing field.

Laba Box, a prominent player in the laundry business across Mindanao, has expressed the urgent need for skilled technicians who can meet the growing demands of their clients, especially in the repair and maintenance of their digital washing machines. Recognising the importance of sustainable workforce development, Laba Box is also keen to become an active participant in Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) programs. This will further promote synergy between education and industry, contributing to a more responsive and inclusive skills training ecosystem.

This MOA signing marks a pivotal step toward a future where TESDA-trained graduates are better prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving labor market, and industry partners like Laba Box can rely on a steady stream of qualified professionals to support their growth.

Presentation of a Customized Web-Based Monitoring and Inventory System

On May 14, 2025, On-the-Job trainees Ryan Ray L. Laguna and Jhaikhene Joel F. Villar from STI College conducted a formal presentation of their developed web-based application, tailored specifically for the Provincial Training Center (PTC)–Davao. The system is designed to optimize the monitoring and inventory management of supplies, tools, and equipment within the institution. This project contributes significantly to the core operational functions of PTC-Davao and aligns closely with the academic requirements of their program, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. 

The presentation included a comprehensive introduction and background on the system’s development, a live demonstration showcasing its key features and functionalities, and a detailed walkthrough of both the user interface and backend processes. A discussion followed, highlighting the system’s benefits and its anticipated impact on existing inventory workflows. The session concluded with an open forum, allowing attendees to raise questions, clarify concerns, and provide feedback.

Key PTC-Davao personnel, including Vocational Instruction Supervisor-Designate Jonathan D. Samillano, Administrative Head-Designate Jessa Jessah E. Fuerzas, Supply Officer-Designate Alexis C. Perez, Technical Support Staff Mary Grace D. Campugan, and Lulu L. Dacup, attended the activity.

The PTC-Davao staff and officials positively received the system presentation. Attendees acknowledged the system’s relevance and its potential to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of inventory management processes. Attendees shared constructive feedback to support further refinement of the application prior to potential implementation. The team offered further recommendations to support future improvements and the system's ongoing growth and sustainability.

Trabaho para sa Bayan: Labor Day Job Fair and One-Stop-Shop

In celebration of Philippine National Labor Day on May 1, 2025, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) led a Job Fair at SM City Davao in Ecoland, Davao City. The event was part of the government’s ongoing effort to make employment opportunities accessible to local and overseas job seekers. It served as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the government, private employers, and partner agencies in supporting inclusive employment and economic growth.

Various government agencies collaborated to establish a One-Stop Shop alongside the Job Fair, providing essential services, consultations, and program information in a single location for public convenience.

Among the active participants was the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), represented by staff from the Regional Training Center–Korea Philippines Vocational Training Center (RTC-KORPHIL), Wangan National Agricultural School (WNAS), and the Provincial Training Center–Davao (PTC-Davao). TESDA took the opportunity to promote its programs on technical education, skills development, career guidance, and scholarship offerings. Representatives also provided information materials, answered job seekers' questions, and guided them toward possible training and employment pathways.

The One-Stop Shop was also supported by a range of other agencies, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Social Security System (SSS), PAG-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Participating employers and recruitment agencies offered numerous job openings, both here and abroad. Meanwhile, government agencies—TESDA included—provided on-the-spot assistance such as registration, verification, consultations, and program orientations. It was a day dedicated to bridging the gap between opportunities and those who need them most, made possible through a shared commitment to national progress and public service.

Building Skills, Empowering Communities: Brgy. Sto. Niño Moves Toward Its Own Training Center

On April 8, 2025, a coordination meeting was successfully convened at Brgy. Sto. Niño, Tugbok District, Davao City to discuss the proposed establishment of a Barangay Training Center spearheaded by the local association in the barangay. The meeting, hosted by the Barangay Council, brought together key representatives from various government agencies and training institutions to collaborate on strengthening community-based skills development initiatives.

The discussion was led by Barangay Captain Romeo “Tata” Alberca, together with distinguished representatives from partner agencies: Iza Beth C. Villareal, LEO III Focal Person of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI – Davao City Field Office; Marry Glocel C. Cantones, Livelihood Development Specialist; Francis P. Buñawan, TESD Specialist I and Special Project Focal of the TESDA Davao City District Office (DCDO); and Jonathan D. Samillano, TESD Specialist II and Vocational Instruction Supervisor of the Provincial Training Center – Davao (PTC-Davao). Their participation underscored the strong inter-agency commitment to expanding training opportunities within the community.

The proposed training center is initially set to offer Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I, targeting 50 association members and interested residents of the barangay. These programs aim to equip participants with industry-relevant technical skills that can lead to employment and livelihood opportunities.

To ensure long-term sustainability, selected graduates will later be identified to undergo Trainer’s Methodology (TM) training, enabling them to qualify as certified trainers and assessors. This strategy will help build local training capacity within the barangay and support continuous skills development for future batches of learners.