MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/29 December) -- At least P8 million has been earmarked for technical-vocational training in Bukidnon in 2008 to 2009 but implementation has been affected by shortcomings in information dissemination, an official at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority provincial office said.

Applicants to scholarships and paying courses complained that TESDA has made them wait for months just to get into a training session.

Amado Amontos Jr., TESDA–Bukidnon provincial director, said the national government released P2 million to each Bukidnon congressman for a scholarship program.

He said Rep. Candido Pancrudo of the First District allotted another P1 million for scholarships to which TESDA added the same amount.

He explained that they have limited equipment and trainers and have to work with partner private training centers such as the one in Del Monte Philippines Inc. and the local government unit of Don Carlos town.

He said they have produced graduates that are now employed locally and abroad with the help of their partners.

But Amontos said they have problems in disseminating the information about available training programs and scholarships.

He said the scholarship program funded by the national government started late in the school year, in September, making information dissemination more difficult.

He said they also have worked with local government units for their own community-based training programs for livelihood and employment.

Amontos vowed to be more aggressive in public dissemination starting January 2009 to draw more attention on the scholarships and other opportunities in technical and vocational training.

He said they have formed a task force with the Bukidnon media so they could work as partners.

Tesda organized the group on December 10. (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews)

---

Share this story through the following Social Media sites: