SAN GABRIEL, La Union – In line with the government’s massive campaign against illegal drugs, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-La Union provided skills training for livelihood to 19 drug surrenderees here.
Marissa T. Alcantara, provincial director of Tesda-La Union, said the activity realizes what Tesda Director General Guiling Mamondiong’s about supporting the war on drugs by offering the drug surrenderees or “reformists” with skills training that would prevent them from returning to their illicit ways.
Through the Skills Training for Employment Program (STEP) facilitated by Tesda, the beneficiaries gained a 26-day training program on Shielded Metal Arc Welding and entrepreneurship training to let them fully utilize what they have learned for their livelihood.
“The program is an opportunity for indigent beneficiaries implemented at the barangays, communities to empower them to become employable and productive,” Alcantara said.
The graduates also received tool kits such as a portable welding machine with paraphernalia, a training allowance of P60 per day, and certificates of training.
“Based on the assessment conducted, the reformist are already qualified to apply for their national competency certificate for said skills,” Alcantara said.
As a commitment of the local government of San Gabriel, the Tesda graduates shall be tapped in all the municipal projects that require their learned skills.