October 23, 2019

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) formally forge ties for “Tahanang Pangkabuhayan,” an intervention and development project for drug dependents and surrenderers on October 22 (Tuesday).


The parties, represented by TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña and DDB Secretary Catalino S. Cuy, signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the “Tahanang Pangkabuhayan” project warranting the implementation of skills development and livelihood projects for the clients of local government units’ (LGUs) community-based treatment and rehabilitation programs.


Once launched, the government will utilize the said project to provide the abovementioned projects for qualified clients as part of their interventions and work therapy while undergoing treatments.


These activities are expected to ease the drug dependents and surrenderers’ reintegration into society, and uplift their economic status in their respective communities.


As agreed upon, the DDB will provide funding and resources for the conduct of trainings, and ensure that all information and data collected from the project implementation will be submitted to the Regulation’s Integrated Drug Monitoring and Reporting Information System (IDMRIS).


The DDB will also conduct advocacy and capability-building programs in coordination with concerned LGUs and TESDA, in order to further assist the clients to achieve sobriety.


Immediate family members will be enlisted as co-dependents in the said programs for them to be more actively involved in the clients’ treatment and rehabilitation process.


Meanwhile, TESDA is set to mobilize its local offices and accredited TESDA trainers, including Technology Institutions (TTIs) to facilitate competency assessments and skills training for qualified clients, as well as coordinate with concerned LGUs for other deliverables.

The Authority will also make available the starter kits, tools and equipment to ensure the sustainability of the program.


"Through this joint project, “Tahanang Pangkabuhayan", I am confident that we will be able to reach and uplift more Filipinos who had once fallen victim to drug abuse but have chosen to reform themselves. Together with DDB, our intervention will help them lead productive lives anew," Lapena said.


Also as stipulated in the MOA, TESDA will monitor the implementation and progress of the skills training under “Tahanang Pangkabuhayan” and submit liquidation reports with corresponding progress reports and statistical data to the DDB, in accordance with the given timelines specified in the work plan.


Successful graduates will receive National Certificates (NC) or Certificates of Competency (COC) depending on the finished course(s).

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"Through this joint project, “Tahanang Pangkabuhayan", I am confident that we will be able to reach and uplift more Filipinos who had once fallen victim to drug abuse but have chosen to reform themselves. Together with DDB, our intervention will help them lead productive lives anew," Lapena said.

 

DDB Secretary Catalino S. Cuy and TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña sign Memorandum of Agreement between TESDA and DDB for “Tahanang Pangkabuhayan” at the TESDA Central Office on Tuesday, October 22.