TESDA XII opens Regional Training Center in Sarangani

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 17, 2022) - To generate labor force and human capital for economic opportunities in the region, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Office XII inaugurated the TESDA SOCCSKSARGEN Manpower Development Center (TSOX-MPDC) on August 17.

The creation of the facility was realized through former Senator Emmanuel "Manny" D. Pacquiao’s local infrastructure projects in his desire to "deliver services on a massive scale."

The construction of the facility’s Phase I amounting to P45 million has just been completed. It is situated on a five-hectare plot of land in Barangay Spring.

The TSOX-MPDC is the newest and biggest regional training center in Region XII, established under the leadership of Regional Director Rafael Abrogar II and former TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña.

Through the efforts of Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao, Congressman Steve Chiongbian Solon, Vice Governor Elmer De Peralta, and the rest of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, the vision of TSOX-MPDC to be a premier institution in delivering quality technical-vocational education and training (TVET) through its flagship programs and projects centered on skills development was realized.

The Local Government of Alabel, through the leadership of Mayor Vic Paul Salarda, also pledged to continuously support the TSOX-MPDC by providing assistance in the development of its programs. One of which is delivering community-based training in agriculture and other services through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist.

As of this writing, more than 2000 scholars have already benefited from the courses of TSOX-MPDC.

The courses offered include Photovoltaic System Servicing NC III; Electrical Installation and Maintenance NCII; Organic Agriculture Production NCII; Pest Management NCII; Driving NCII; Plumbing NCII; Trainer Methodology Level I and II; Community-based Trainers Methodology; Contact Tracing Level II; and Solar Powered Irrigation System and Maintenance Level II.

TSOX-MPDC Administrator Engr. Artemio Del Rosario Jr. recalled how TESDA XII dreamt of having a regional training center that would cater to well-deserved scholars and lead them to job opportunities.

"Nagsimula lang ang lahat ng ito sa isang pangarap. Libre ang mangarap at masarap ang mangarap pero itong pasilidiad na ating kinasisilungan ngayon ay hindi na mananatiling pangarap," said Del Rosario.

Even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Del Rosario said that they were granted a training-for-work scholarship program where a total of 235 slots amounting to P1.1 million were offered to beneficiaries who are mostly Indigenous people and former rebels.

Regional Director Abrogar said that it took them 18 years to establish the said facility.

Former Senator Pacquiao said in a message, "kahit wala na ako sa Senado, magpapatuloy pa rin ang aking suporta para sa ating mga kababayan."

Governor Pacquiao expressed his gratitude for the "overflowing blessings" poured into Sarangani.

Present during the activity were TESDA Board members Rene Luis M. Tadle and Randolph I. Nonato; TESDA SarGen Provincial Director El Cid Castillo; provincial directors from Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and North Cotabato; Capitol department heads; Alabel municipal staff; TESDA scholars; and stakeholders.

Part of the establishment of the TSOX-MPDC were the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Alabel District Jail, 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion, 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, Philippine Army, and Mindanao State University-General Santos City College of Agriculture. (Joshua John S. Pantonial & photos by Jake T. Narte /SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

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