On August 4, 2025, TESDA Provincial Training Center (PTC) Benguet held the Closing Program for the Community-Based Trainer’s Methodology Course (CBTMC) at the Philippine Nazarene College, La Trinidad, Benguet.

The event marked a milestone as it celebrated the graduation of the first batch of 29 trainees who are now TESDA-certified Community-Based trainers. These new trainers, equipped with qualifications such as Organic Agriculture Production NC II, Coffee Production Level II, Bookkeeping NC II, Agroentrepreneurship NC II, Barista NC II, Front Office NC II, and Food and Beverage Services NC II, are now ready to serve various communities across Benguet.

This training was initiated and coordinated by the TESDA Provincial Office of Benguet, led by Acting Provincial Director Arlene Cadalig, with TESDA PTC Benguet under the leadership of Center Administrator Ferdinand Montañez. This initiative was also made possible through the support of the Municipal Local Government Unit of La Trinidad, PESO La Trinidad through its CTEC Coordinator, and the Philippine Nazarene College (PNC).

The ceremony was attended by notable guests, including PNC President Rev. Allan Prado, CTEC Coordinator Elengy Bolidi, Hon. Nestor Fongwan Jr. of the MLGU La Trinidad, and a representative from the office of Mayor Roderick Awingan.

This initiative reflects the spirit of convergence in addressing skills development and supports TESDA’s Area-Based and Demand-Driven TVET framework. With this, graduates can now be immersed directly in their own communities to address local skills gaps, respond to industry needs, and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities. Their readiness to train others will play a vital role in upskilling the local workforce and boosting economic participation at the grassroots level.

The graduates also received certificates in Entrepreneurship training to encourage them to start their own businesses, and in Community Program Development Services Level II, which equips community-based trainers to address social, economic, and environmental issues within their communities.