14 October 2015
Expressions of gratitude poured in for outgoing Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Joel Villanueva as he met the agency’s executives and staff for the last time on October 14.
Villanueva handed the reins of TESDA to the new leadership following his resignation to run for senator in the May 2016 elections. He will file his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Election (Comelec) on Friday, October 16.
TESDA executives, staff, private partners and graduates of technical vocational education described Villanueva as an “inspiring leader, humble, effective and with integrity,” who helped remove the stigma on technical vocational education, made the tech-voc sector scale new heights and transformed lives.
Marissa Legaspi, head of the Planning Office, said Villanueva led with “quality and excellence, relevance and impact, and good governance and compassion.”
“Buong pasasalamat sa paglalaan niya sa sarili para sa paglilingkod sa bayan sa pamamagitan ng TESDA. Ang pagpapatuloy ng kanyang magandang simulain ang mapapabaon namin sa kanya,” Legaspi said.
Lynette Ical, a technical staff, said Villanueva allowed her to prove her worth as an employee.
“Thank you for the trust. You are an inspiration to be excellent, dedicated and work from the heart,” Ical said.
Lawyer Adel Tamano, vice president for public affairs of Coca Cola Philippines, said that it was through Villanueva’s “unwavering support” that Coke and TESDA sustained its partnership in implementing programs that empower the women.
“Unleashing the entrepreneurial potential of women is one of the most powerful and enduring ways to help families and communities prosper. We are truly fortunate to have partnered with TESDA on this long-term social development work for women,” he said.
“Thank you TESDA and Sec. Joel Villanueva for your leadership and unwavering support,” Tamano added.
Tech-voc graduates said Villanueva spelled the difference in the tech-voc sector by not only making the training dignified, but also making it accessible to the students. Putting premium on job s bridging and employment opportunities also assured graduates that they will have a better future after finishing their courses.
Villanueva is a transformative leader, making possible the TESDA programs that are life-changing.
“Sa murang edad, ako po ay kumikita na ng malaki bilang visual graphics artist at aktibong nagsusulong ng dekalidad na edukasyon at training upang mas maraming buhay pa ang sumaya,” Merryll Lhorvin Santos of Metro Manila said.
She added, “Kung kaya’t buo ang ang aking loob na suportahan ang tunay na may puso para sa mamamayang Pilipino upang mas marami pa siyang matulungan kapag siya ay nasa Senado na, Sec. Joel Villanueva.”
Cristina Reyes of Pangasinan said TESDA aided returning overseas Filipino workers like her in finding employment or livelihood.
“Ako ay produkto ng magagandang programa ng TESDA dahil sa mabuting pamamahala ni Secretary Joel Villanueva,” she said.
Renji Arcilla of Region IV- A said his success after taking TESDA courses inspired him to return the blessings by organizing his own foundation.
“Nananawagan po ako sa mga kapwa ko scholars at sa lahat ng naririto ngayon, samahan nyo’ po akong suportahan ang lider na handang ipaglaban at itaas ang kalidad ng tech-voc sa bansa, ang ating TESDA man sa Senado, Sec. Joel Villanueva,” he said.
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