Farmer, career woman are 2023 TESDA Idols

August 29, 2023

A farmer from Zamboanga del Sur and a career woman top this year's Search for Idols ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Rogelio J. Saniel of Region IX was awarded as the National Winner in the Self-Employed Category of the Search. The president of Saniel Integrated Farm Technological Business School, Inc. (SIFTBSI), a TESDA Accredited Training Institution in Zamboanga del Sur, Saniel was previously recognized as the Most Outstanding Farmer of the Philippines in "Large Animal Raiser" category in the Gawad Saka of the Department of Agriculture, and received the Gintong Sikap Award as well.

On the other hand, Dr. Jeninah Christia B. Pulhin from Region IV-A was chosen as the National Winner for the Wage-Employed Category. Dr. Pulhin, the Resort Operations Manager of Noni's Resort Inc. in Alitagtag, Batangas and a college professor at the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) - Batangas, has a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management as well as several tech-voc qualifications.

TESDA Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu said that this year's winners are examples of transformative and globally-competitive technical vocational education and training (TVET), and that they are the products of TESDA's dedication to fulfilling its mandate of offering high-quality training.

"Kayo ang patotoo na ang paglilinang ng kahusayan at pag-angat ng karunungan sa TESDA ay laging higit pa sa inaasahan. Bukod sa skills development at high-quality training, nakatutulong ang TESDA sa pagbabago ng buhay ng ating mga graduates," he said.

Other winners in the Self-Employed Category were Nieves P. Sarte, CEO of Greenthumb Farming School in Atimonan, Quezon, and Janette V. Fernando, founder of JVF Center for Technical Studies and Assessment Center, Inc., in Gapan City Nueva Ecija who placed 1st runner-up and 2nd unner-up, respectively.

Likewise, in the Wage-Employed Category, Shaid Hassanal A. Halun of BARMM and Cherry J. Udaundo of Region II, who placed 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up, respectively.

"Just as what our vision states, we transform our TVET graduates, we transform their skills and future. Once again, congratulations to all the winners," the Secretary added.

The winners were recognized during a ceremony held at the SM Megamall last August 23, 2023, during the week-long celebration of TESDA's 29 Anniversary.

The winners in both categories shall receive a trophy, certificate of recognition, and cash prizes.

The national winners will receive Php 30,000. The 1st and 2nd runners-up shall receive Php 25,000 and Php 20,000, respectively.

One of the agency's institutional awards, the Idols ng TESDA aims to honor tech-voc graduates who have achieved exceptional success in their chosen fields or occupations and have aided in the growth of their local economies.

TVET graduates who are Filipino citizens, at least 21 years old, and who have shown remarkable achievements in the previous three years in their field of study or training are eligible to be nominated. Candidates for the "Idols ng TESDA" must receive the support of reputable community, social, religious, labor, or business organizations.