A whopping 1,030 TVET stakeholders, and guests from all over Region I found their way to the Sison Auditorium at the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol Grounds, Lingayen, Pangasinan on September 14, 2016 to participate in the Regional TVET Consultation.
     Dubbed “One TESD Summit, Cycle 2,” the consultation presented the TVET challenges and issues as identified by TVET stakeholders during their respective provincial pre-consultation sorties.

     Engr. Joseph D. Sicco, President of the Data Center College of the Philippines in Laoag City presented the issues, challenges and investment opportunities in Ilocos Norte while Dr. Antonio P. Agustin, Director for External and International Relations of the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City did the presentation for Ilocos Sur.  Mr. Alex F. Ferrer, Provincial PESO Manager for Pangasinan and Ms. Maria Eredita Estepa, School Administrator of Colegio de La Union in Naguilian, La Union talked on the TVET issues and challenges in Pangasinan and La Union, respectively.

     The Regional TESD Committee also convened prior to the Summit to identify a macro-view of TVET issues and Challenges in Region I.  Dr. Arlene A. Niro, Education Program Supervisor of the Department of Education Regional Office I made an account of the output of the Committee in the Summit.

     TESDA’s 14-point agenda, sectoral roadmaps and regional development thrusts and priorities used as bases for the identification of the issues and challenges were also presented during the Consultation.  TESDA Regional Director Cenon M. Querubin delivered the 1) TVET Reform and Development Agenda: Two Pronged TVET Strategy for Poverty Reduction and 2) Regional TVET Situationer and Program Accomplishments.  Regional Director Martin S. Valera of the Department of Tourism (DOT) detailed the Tourism Industry Challenges in Region I. Dr. Irenea B. Ubungen of the NEDA Region I provided a base information of the development thrusts and priorities of Region I.  Ms. Barbara Jane R. Pablico of TESDA presented DOLE’s HRD Roadmap.

     Atty. Diosdado O. Padilla, TESDA Deputy Director General for Communities and LGU Services, immediately proceeded to the Sison Auditorium after his attendance to the TESDA budget hearing to deliver his Closing Message.  He relayed the good news of the additional scholarship budget of TESDA next year.

     Pangasinan Governor Amado I. Espino III welcomed the participants during the short Opening Program.  Director Magdalena P. Butad of the Financial and Management Services at the TESDA Central Office gave an overview of the Consultation.
     The One TESD Summit, Cycle 2 is the second major gathering of TVET Stakeholders in the region; the first being held at the Vigan Convention Center, Vigan City in August 2013.
     The significant event was capped with the signing of the “Katulagan/Katalusan,” a Manifesto of Commitment by TESDA officials led by DDG Padilla with the TVET Stakeholders  from the different provinces.