The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), distributed over 90 starter toolkits to the Ka Fuerte Skills Training Program scholars who took the free trainings in Bread Making, Cake Making, and Shielded Metallic Arc Welding (SMAW) on July 15, 2022 at Capitol Convention Center.
To further provide employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to the Camarinense and to mitigate the loss of jobs and livelihood during the pandemic, the Provincial Government initiated the Ka Fuerte Skills Training Program, which was patterned to adopt TESDA’s Special Training Education Program (STEP). Under this program, free trainings were conducted and scholars are entitled to allowances and starter toolkits by the end of their training and after passing the competency standards and assessment.
“Maogmahon po kami na nagkaigwa nin libreng skills training program sa satuyang probinsya tapos makakaresibe man po kami nin allowance asin toolkits na siyang magiging susi para po mapuonan mi an small business na gusto mi itugdok. An allowance man po na mareresibe mi, gagamiton mi para sa mga ingredients asin karagdagan na kaipuhan para po sa samuyang small business,” shared 34-year-old scholar Ma. Theresa Merilles of San Jose, Baybayon, Buhi, who took a training in Cake Making under the Ka Fuerte Skills Training Program.
Theresa was able to receive allowance amounting to P2,600 and starter toolkits for Cake Making, which include an electric oven, measuring cup, muffin pan, flour sifter, measuring spoon, mixing bowl, wire whisk, and rubber scraper.
Scholars of Bread Making were able to receive toolkits which include an electric oven, digital weighing scale, measuring cup, measuring urn/ jug, mixing bowl, piping bags, wire whisk, bread knife, muffin pan, cheese grater, and chef’s knife, while the scholars of Shielded Metallic Arc Welding (SMAW) were able to receive starter toolkit that include inverter type portable welding machine, welding mask, and portable angle grinder.
Tandy Bagacina from San Nicolas, Baao who trained for SMAW, received his toolkit at the event. Although he had to travel to Bula for the mobile training, he was able to successfully complete the training and pass the competency standards. He was overwhelmed that the province has this program because it was a huge help to someone like him who likes to learn about welding.
Bagacina said, “Naging maganda po yung training namin kasi marami kaming natutunan and marami din kami na experience dito. Ining toolkits na nakua mi ngunyan, dakulang tabang po siya ta magagamit mi siya kung gusto mi mag business o magtrabaho ning welding ta igwa na toolkit saka certificate.”
A total of 109 scholars who took the training Cake Making, Service Automotive Electrical, Service Consumer, and Dressmaking also received their allowances amounting P2,000 to P7,000. The allowance covers the daily allowance, PPE allowance, and internet data allowance for the online modules.
As one of the fortunate scholars who availed of the free training in Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing (EPAS) and who received an allowance worth P3,400, Mark Misolas from Marupit, Camaligan expressed his gratitude towards the TESDA and Provincial Government’s initiative for the opportunity that was opened for those like him.
“Malaking tulong ito sa arog ming tios. Dakulang bagay na po ini para makapagpuon po nin hananapbuhay sa ngunyan lalo na may allowances din po kaming nakua. Magagamit mi po talaga yan. Maraming salamat po sa gabos saka sana dakol pa po talaga ang matabangan,” Misolas said.
