By Ruscelle Ureta

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has brought trainers to provide skills training and livelihood programs to the residents of the remote Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan.

TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña visited the island and led the launching of the Project Wage-Employment and Entrepreneurial Skills Training (Project WEST). He added the project's launching aligns with the agency's guiding principle, "TESDA Abot Lahat," wherein the agency goes to far-flung areas to provide skills training and livelihood interventions.

"Our kababayans in Pag-asa Island can now expect more services from the government, particularly TESDA. We are here to provide skills training which the residents can use to gain employment and earn a living," Lapeña said.

The TESDA chief also held a dialogue with the people of Kalayaan and discussed possible training in the construction sector, which the community requested.

"I also thank the residents of Pag-asa Island for welcoming TESDA. This engagement is for the betterment of our community and our kababayans through technical education and skills development programs," he added.

Initial offerings of the Project WEST are training on Assembly of Solar Night Light and Post Lamp and Competencies on Food Processing (Sugar Concentration and Salting and Curing).

According to TESDA, there were earlier 44 trainees in other fields, such as Assembly of Solar Night Light and Post Lamp, and 28 beneficiaries in Sugar Concentration and Salting and Curing.

It also initially provided a trainer on Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II and Photovoltaic Systems Installation NC II and two trainers on Food Processing NC II.

She added that the agency is also set to conduct the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) for the residents of Pag-asa Island. The STEP is a community-based training program that seeks to address the specific skills needs of the communities and promote employment through entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities.