ILOILO — A total of 389 scholars from the 2nd Congressional District received their Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certificates on Tuesday, February 24, in what local leaders described as a major push to strengthen employability and drive grassroots economic growth.
The graduates, trained under the “MIKENABUKASAN” flagship initiative of Cong. Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta and former congressman Michael Gorriceta, were conferred their certificates during rites at the Pavia Gym in Pavia, Iloilo.
The program — whose name translates to “Future is Here” — integrates the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) and the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) in partnership with TESDA, offering market-driven technical skills aimed at equipping residents from modest-income families with sustainable livelihood opportunities.
A total of 17 training programs were offered under STEP and TWSP, including Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing, Cookery NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Dressmaking NC II, Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I and II, Driving NC II, Hilot Wellness Massage NC II, Tourism Promotion NC II, Barista NC II, and Masonry NC II.
Addressing the graduates, Gorriceta underscored perseverance and lifelong determination as keys to success.
“To achieve your life goals, never give up. In every challenge you meet, do not surrender. Remember, quitters never win. Let this special occasion serve as a time for you to reflect on the life struggles that have shaped who you are today and gain learning experiences that will enable you to face the challenges that lie ahead with greater courage,” she said.
She added: “As you march in today’s graduation ceremony, I join you and everyone else who is proud of you. This is a symbol not only of your accomplishment but also of the combined efforts of the community, partner organizations, trainers, and facilitators who have helped you along the way to attain this milestone.”
TESDA director-general Jose Francisco Benitez emphasized that skills training must be paired with empowerment and connectivity in the workforce.
“Para ini sa inyo nga determination. Sa inyo nga pangabudlay, sa inyo nga handum…ang pag-uswag wala sang katapusan. I hope you all thrive. ‘Di sapat ang skills lang, dapat you are connected and empowered. You all in the workforce should embrace your lifelong learning journey,” Benitez said.
He further stressed the broader value of certification in building credibility and dignity.
“Skills training builds confidence, TESDA certification builds credibility, and the opportunity builds dignity,” he added.
Graduates echoed the transformative impact of the program. Ma. Rosela Panilla, who earned certifications in Hilot Wellness Massage, Bread and Pastry Production, and Dressmaking NC II, said the training reshaped her outlook.
“The skills I learned from this initiative here have not only made me employable but have also instilled a new sense of purpose in my life,” Panilla said.
“Thank you for shaping our dreams with your vision paving the way. The knowledge and values you have instilled in us will help us,” she added.
Beyond the graduation rites, state-owned LandBank of the Philippines also soft-launched its LandBank PISO Plus Account for TESDA learners and scholars. The initiative aims to accelerate the disbursement of the Training Support Fund and reduce time spent preparing individual checks or drawing cash in advance.
Also present during the ceremony were LandBank vice president Hansen Chu, former congressman Michael Gorriceta, Director Esther Babalo of TESDA Regional Office 6, municipal mayors of the 2nd District, and TVET school administrators./PN
