In a joint effort to empower Kapampangan Alternative Learning System students through skills training and educational programs, Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Provincial Government of Pampanga, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), for the Skills-Knowledge Improvement for Local Labor Support (SKILLS) for Pampanga Project.

Organized by the Training Services Office, led by Dr. Dynah Soriano, the opening program for the new batch of the scholarship program was held at the University Hostel on September 30, 2024.

The SKILLS for Pampanga project will run from October to December 2024 by utilizing a blended learning modality.

The National Certificate II (NCII) programs offered include Cookery NCII, Dressmaking NCII, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NCII, and Tailoring NCII.

“Through innovative training in various skill sets, participants will enhance their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities, contributing to the region’s economic growth and development,” Dr. Soriano stated in her statement of purpose.

Alongside Dr. Soriano as DHVSU representatives are Dr. Benigno Legamia Jr., Dean of the College of Industrial Technology; Ms. Jennifer Baluyut, Skills Capability Enhancement Center Manager; Dr. Anabelle Hernandez, Competency Assessment Center Manager; Ms. Aileen De Leon, Professional Advancement Center Manager; and Ms. Lizel Mallari, Administrative Aide.

Also present at the opening program of the SKILLS project were Mr. Rodolfo Pineda from the Pampanga Provincial Office; Ms. Wilmhie Nichols, Pampanga Manpower Training Center Administrator; Ms. Ellen Rivera, TESDA Administrative Officer V; and Ma. Concejo Margallo, TESDA Training Coordinator. Joining them were the trainers: Charina Balido for Dressmaking and Tailoring, Marilou Guanzon for Cookery, and Dhormarse Alipio for Electrical Installation and Maintenance.

“Si Vice Governor Nanay [Lilia Pineda] ang gusto niya ang mga out of school youth na hindi nakapag-pursue ng college ang maging beneficiary, ito ang naging target niya talaga,” Ellen Rivera, TESDA Scholarship Focal Person, stated in an interview.

In recent years, DHVSU, TESDA, and the PESO Pampanga Provincial Office have had remarkable collaborations aimed at contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of the Kapampangan community and economy.

Photo credits: Public and Media Affairs Unit