New training hub to rise in Iloilo

 07 May 2016

 A world-class training facility will soon rise in Iloilo to provide a hub for the youth who will get into technical vocational education.
 
The project is part of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through the Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College (LGPC) and Ayala Land Inc. covering the implementation of the Sicogon Island Development Project in northern Iloilo.
 
TESDA Director General Irene Isaac said the agreement aims to provide a better learning environment through the construction of a training facility.  It will also assist the underprivileged but deserving students mostly coming from affected communities through the provision of quality training.
 
“The trainings would include values reorientation, especially for participants coming from fishing families, so they would acquire the necessary skills based on standards set by a world-class workplace,” Isaac said.
 
Under the agreement, Ayala Land will construct a 156-square meter training facility at the LGPC campus in Balasan, Iloilo, estimated to cost P2.8 million. 
 
As a counterpart, LGPC will provide free training to prospective workers equivalent to the cost of training facility.
 
The trainees who will be identified by Ayala Land and endorsed by LGPC are expected to be employed in the construction and operation of beach resorts and other tourism facilities in Sicogon Island.
 
Majority of the trainees will come from families to be affected by the tourism development project, the agreement said.
 
The following registered programs will be offered by LGPC under the agreement: Automotive Servicing NC II; Driving NC II; Motorcycle/Small Engine Servicing NC II; Carpentry NC II; Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II; Masonry NC II; Electronic Products Assembly Servicing NC II; Dressmaking NC II; Tailoring NC II; RAC Servicing NC II; Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I and NC II; Food Processing NC II; Bread and Pastry Production NC II; Cookery NC II; Food and Beverage Services NC II; and, Housekeeping NC II.
 
The MOA was signed by Ayala Land vice president Al Legaspi, LGPC-TESDA vocational school administrator Esther Babalo, and Sicogon Island community leader Randy Bersol.
 
Isaac, TESDA Regional Director Toni June Tamayo and provincial directors of TESDA-regional office 6 together with Department of Tourism official Helen Catalbas witnessed the signing.