07 February 2014
Construction of the Green Innovation Technology Center, a new learning venue that will meld green technology programs into technical vocational education and training, officially began on February 7.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) collaborated to build the two-story building with an approximate floor area of 1,000 square meters.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held at the TESDA Complex, Secretary Joel Villanueva highlighted the significance of the project as a showcase of the agency's robust partnership with the private sector in pushing for new training programs geared toward the best practices on environmental protection and preservation.
Joining Villanueva during the ceremony were Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, FFCCCII president Dr. Alfonso Siy, and Filipino-Chinese businessman Lucio Tan.
"It is on the grounds of TESDA where the pillars of learning will be built, and where the future of many youth will be shaped," said Villanueva, TESDA director general.
"This is a true bipartisan effort between TESDA and FFCCCII, echoing the desire to educate the young generation about environmental innovation and stewardship, and transforming them into productive members of society," he said.
The construction of the center was sealed in a Memorandum of Agreement between TESDA and FFCCCII last January 21. Under the deal, the chamber will provide the funds for the state-of-the-art building. Once completed, the building will be donated to TESDA.
The center will offer green technology programs such as solar-powered lighting, bio-mass technology, and engineered bamboo (e-bamboo).
It will also have programs on advanced agricultural crop production technologies such as hydroponics and organic vegetable production using drip irrigation, and use of rain water and waste water or water recycling aimed at enhancing production.
Villanueva said the center will help advance the agency's push for green skills development among its trainees.
During the second National Tech-Voc Congress in 2012, there was a consensus among the participants that the sector has a prominent role to play in developing green skills.
"One of the most pressing challenges we face is to be able to help avert climate change and at the same time, deal with its impact. We at TESDA know the imperative to use energy and resources more efficiently, and to use renewable resources whenever possible," Villanueva said.
"As we continue to hone the skills of our trainees to help them find decent jobs and livelihood, we will also ensure that economic growth and environmental protection and preservation go hand in hand," he said.
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