151 Los Baños residents gain trade skills from livelihood training co-sponsored by IRRI

One hundred fifty-one residents from Los Baños completed a skills livelihood training program organized by IRRI with the Public Employment Services Office-Citizens’ Access for Employment and Skills Advancement Reinforcement, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). All graduates also passed the recent TESDA National Certification (NC) II test, which is recognized globally, giving them a competitive edge when applying for jobs abroad or in foreign companies.

Pascual Arriola, TESDA provincial director, said that while there are many job opportunities available not enough people have the necessary skills required—hence the importance of TESDA’s training programs to reduce unemployment. The livelihood program, which started in August, provided courses on massage therapy, electric arc welding, computer hardware servicing, electrical installation and maintenance, electronics, and refrigerator and airconditioning unit repair.

Los Baños Mayor Caesar Perez recognized the graduates’ capacity to become globally competitive and live up to society’s expectations.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dr. V. Bruce J. Tolentiono, IRRI deputy director general for communication and partnerships, emphasized the value that the skills training program brings to improve people’s lives.  The ceremony was held at the new Municipal Building of Los Baños on 6 December 2013.
IRRI also received a certificate of appreciation signed by Mayor Perez.

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