The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Benguet in partnership with Ampucao Local Government, Department of Education, and Philex Mining Corporation will be conducting a free training on Heavy Equipment Operation (Excavator) and Hair Cutting to the Out-of-School Youths and Women’s Group in Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet.

On January 24, 2023, an opening program was held at Amupcao Barangay Hall which was attended by TESDA-Benguet Provincial Director Jimmicio Daoaten, Community-based Training Program Focal Delia Lapay, Barangay Captain Freddie Altiga, Ampucao Elementary School Principal Ricardo Samson, Jr., ESP II for Alternative Learning System (ALS) Rose Anapen from DepEd, and the Barangay Kagawads.

According to Barangay Captain Freddie Altiga, the training was initially for the Out-of-School Youths but decided to include a group of Women who are mothers to utilize their extra time into trainings instead of spending their time waiting for their children outside the school which is nearby the training area.

“Para hindi masayang ang kanilang oras at may pagkakakitaan sila” he said.

The Heavy Equipment Operation will run from January 24 to February 4, 2023, while the Hair cutting will be from January 24 to 28, 2023.

Meanwhile, Dir. Daoaten urged the trainees to continue acquiring competencies through other TESDA trainings, and be part of the growing demand for skilled workers in the country.//Coores Celoy