CDC, TESDA JOIN HANDS TO HELP GRADUATES FIND JOB

BY KEVIN GALANG

CLARK Development Corporation (CDC) has worked together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide skills training and help graduates find better job opportunities.

Graduates of the recent Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I program, a collaboration between CDC and TESDA, are optimistic about applying their new skills to improve their livelihoods.

A total of 15 trainees completed the 33-day program, benefiting from this manpower development initiative.

The training program is part of CDC’s ongoing mission to bridge the gap between industry needs and the workforce pool, ensuring employees have the right skills and mindset to succeed.

During the graduation ceremony held at the HSD Training Hall on December 17, CDC president and CEO attorney Agnes VST Devanadera reiterated the importance of programs in empowering employees. 

“Marami ang nakakapagtapos pero hindi lahat ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makapagtrabaho. Kayo ay iskolar din ng bayan kaya ito ay pahalagahan ninyo. Ang hinahanap ng mga employers, hindi lang skills kundi pati rin yung right attitude,” Devanadera said.

Albert Laxamana Capiz, a completer and the top of his class, highlighted the new opportunities the training has created for him and his family. 

“Para sa akin, malaking bagay po ang ganito dahil first time na nakasama kaming IPs sa ganitong training. Sa Clark kasi, napakadaming trabaho, isa na doon ang welding, at marami na kaming pwedeng pasukan. Malaking bagay talaga kasi ‘yung nasanayan kong buhay noon, mag-iiba,” said Capiz, who is also a member of the Ayta Mag-Antsi Indigenous Cultural Communities.

Another graduate, Joseph Sapu-an, shared the impact of the training. “Pag mag-a-apply sa trabaho, makakatulong itong training kasi may certificate from TESDA, at the same time, araw-araw din namin na ginagawa, kumbaga nagkaroon kami ng bagong skills,” Sapu-an said.

Dennis Sibal, another completer and program beneficiary, described the training as a “blessing,” noting its long-term benefits for his family. 

“Masaya po ako sa naging training, blessing din kasi marami pong natutunan. Makakatulong po sa pag-apply ng trabaho dito sa Clark,” Sibal said.

In addition to the SMAW NC I graduates, 23 other trainees completed the 15-day Driving Course NC II, further expanding the manpower development efforts of CDC and TESDA. 

Present during the event were PMGen. Lina Sarmiento, vice president for Security Services Group and former TESDA Deputy Director General; Rommel Narciso, assistant vice president for External Affairs; Armando Aquino, representing TESDA Region 3 director Baron Lagran;  attorney  Eric Ueda, Provincial Director of TESDA Region 3; and engineer Andy Cabalu, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Training Center of Guagua, Pampanga.