BY KEISHA PEARL E. LABRADA AND RANEL P. FUENTES
THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) XI announced 1,130 scholarship slots for individuals interested in enrolling in three-year diploma programs on the celebration of the 2024 National Tech-Voc Day on Friday, Aug. 2.
The three-year diploma program is a PQF Level 5 Diploma Program under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education offered by TESDA since 2018, focusing on technology courses offered by accredited institutions.
Applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, TESDA XI may soon stop accepting new applications as the program follows the academic year calendar which means classes will start this month.
“Karon, busy jud atong mga schools na naga offer ug three-year diploma programs in terms of getting enrollees kay we don’t want man gud na nay mga estudyanteng moundang, di mulahutay kay sayang ang pundo sa gobyerno,” Ashary A. Banto, TESDA XI regional director, said.
There are about 50 accredited schools around the region that accept eligible scholars, who must be a high school graduate and indigent individuals or those who can’t afford tertiary education.
The technological programs offered are Hotel and Restaurant Technology, Agriculture Technology, Tourism Technology, and Industry Technology.
Approximately 57 million is allocated for this scholarship program. Scholars are fully subsidized for their training for three years and are provided a P160 allowance per day including free payment for their assessment.
“I am very confident that graduates of technology course would have a competitive advantage over bachelor degree holders and that is not to disparage or underestimate atong mga bachelors degree (graduates) but karon man gud we know, in the world of work, ang gipangita karon kay ang mga competencies,” Banto added.
Banto emphasized that those who want to have embedded national certification courses can enroll in these technological courses which they can use to proceed if they ever want to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
TESDA XI is partnering with local government units, the Department of Labor and Employment, and other stakeholders to ensure the program’s success and provide employment opportunities for graduates.
Photo: Bing Gonzales
