BACOLOD City — A total of 2,065 scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from the Third District of Negros Occidental graduated on May 7 during the first-ever district-wide TESDA Mass Graduation Ceremony held at the Victorias City Coliseum.
Dubbed the TESDA Metro Third Mass Graduation, the event marked a historic milestone for the district as it brought together graduates from cities and municipalities under the congressional district of Representative Javier Miguel Benitez.
The ceremony celebrated the successful completion of technical-vocational courses by scholars who underwent skills training in cookery, welding, carpentry, masonry, agriculture, animal production, and organic farming.
In his inspirational message before the confirmation of graduates, Benitez emphasized the importance of technical education in shaping communities and improving lives.
“For the Batch of 2025-2026, you are not just graduating. You are the ones who will build homes, put food on the table, and help uplift our communities,” the congressman said.
He also reminded graduates that the skills they acquired would remain valuable assets throughout their lives.
“Many of you will help bring the Third District toward a brighter future. Always remember that skills cannot be diminished nor taken away from you — they are yours forever,” Benitez added.
The congressman described the mass graduation as a reflection of the district’s continuing effort to make skills training more accessible, community-based, and responsive to local industry needs.
“The TESDA Metro Third Mass Graduation stands as a defining milestone for the Third District and reflects the collective goal of making skills training more accessible, more aligned with local needs, and closer to the communities it serves,” Benitez said.
The graduates were officially confirmed by TESDA Negros Island Region Director Niña Connie G. Dodd, who also recognized the scholars’ achievements and the growing role of technical-vocational education in promoting employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
City and municipal officials from across the Third District also attended the ceremony to show support for the graduates and TESDA’s continuing programs.
TESDA plays a key role in strengthening technical-vocational education and training in the Philippines by equipping Filipinos with practical and industry-relevant skills. Through scholarship programs, competency assessments, and National Certifications, the agency helps learners gain employment opportunities, start livelihoods, and improve productivity.
The mass graduation not only recognized the hard work of the scholars but also highlighted the importance of technical education in addressing local workforce demands and driving inclusive economic growth in Negros Occidental.
The graduates completed their training through the following training centers: Master Global Education and Livelihood Inc., MBA Forest and Technical School Inc., MDM-Sagay Technical Vocational Institute Inc., and Power Foundation./PN
