DISTRIBUTION OF TOOLKITS. Cong. Edgar Chatto (third from left) leads the distribution of toolkits to the graduates of the Prepare and Cook Hot Meals course under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP). Chatto facilitated the training in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). From left Tubigon Vice Mayor Rene Villaber, TESDA Bohol Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Virginia Namoc, Cong. Chatto and Edith Sarigumba of the Bohol International College inspect toolkit inclusions. Contributed photo
Justine Mae Genita, one of the scholars of the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), facilitated by the office of Cong. Edgar Chatto with the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) speaks with confidence and gratitude about her scholarship.
She said the scholarship is the backbone for her and other graduates’ journey to opportunities in the future.
Genita was among scholars and graduates of the Prepare and Cook Hot Meals course who received toolkits on April 14, 2021, at the Bohol International Learning College (BILC).
She was especially grateful to Chatto who facilitated the scholarship program in partnership with the TESDA, which she said is a thoughtful and generous gift that has allowed her and other graduates to develop a meaningful skill, to grow, and to hopefully succeed.
Chatto turned over toolkits that include pots, pans and kitchen utensils to graduates of Prepare and Cook Hot Meals course from Cortes and Tubigon together with Tubigon Vice Mayor Rene Villaber, TESDA Bohol officer in charge (OIC) Virginia Namoc, and Edith Sarigumba of training provider BILC.
Namoc also thanked Chatto for having consistently supported programs of TESDA even back when the latter was governor of the province.
“It is TESDA’s pride for our scholars to not only receive training but also be equipped to apply their learnings,” Namoc said.
Encouraging graduates to take full advantage of the skills they acquired, Namoc shared the successful story of “Grace” a TESDA graduate who runs a successful business.
“This is a testament to a window of chance even in the middle of the pandemic”, Namoc said.
Chatto for his part reiterated the importance of technical vocational education as one of key strategies to ensure job security.
“We have always emphasized that skills development opens opportunities for employment and livelihood,” he stated as he thanked TESDA for being a strong partner in the implementation of the program.
STEP is a community-based specialty training program that addresses the specific skills needs of the communities and promote employment, particularly through entrepreneurial, self-employment and service-oriented activities.
The beneficiaries of STEP received free training and competency assessment, starter toolkits and training allowance for the duration of the training.
In addition to Preparing and Cooking Hot Meals course, Chatto’s office also facilitated trainings on Bread and Pastry Production, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Dressmaking, Driving, Tailoring, Masonry, Raising Organic Hogs, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance under the STEP Program.