3,000 NorMin IPs to benefit from TESDA’s special training program

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1008870
• Tuesday, June 12, 2018

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- At least 3,000 indigenous peoples (IPs) in Northern Mindanao benefits from the special training program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Dubbed “Empowering Indigenous Peoples and Cultural Communities Through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Reintegration Training for Rebel Returnees,” the special training program aims to provide skills development interventions and access to training to IPs and rebel returnees to transform them into competitive and productive individuals.

TESDA and local government officials launched the program at the Mindanaw Tribal School in Barangay Panadtalan, Maramag, Bukidnon province on June 1.

TESDA Deputy Director General Alvin Feliciano said the skills training is given by the government to uplift the economic status of IPs and facilitate the reintegration of rebel returnees to the mainstream of the society.

“Kailangang sila madevelop at paunlarin dahil sila ay kabalikat at kaparte ng pamahalaan (The sector needs to be developed because they are partners of the government),” he further said.

Under the program, beneficiaries will be entitled to free skills training, free assessment, entrepreneurship training, training support fund of P100 per training day attended and toolkits.

A ceremonial turnover of scholarship grants and an unveiling of the special training court and skills training center highlighted the regional launching.