Trainees from the Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II (EIM NCII) program of TESDA–Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education, Mountain Province Campus (TESDA-CSITE, MPC) demonstrated the power of skills in service last August 21, 2025, as they extended free electrical services to a fire-stricken resident of Barangay Gonogon, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

Under the guidance of their trainer, Mr. Efren I. Aguinaldo, the trainees carried out a community extension activity in Sitio Sumbagan, where they helped restore electricity to the home of Mr. Johny Aclinen, a senior citizen living alone whose house was damaged by fire.

The incident occurred late in the evening of August 16, 2025, at around 11:18 P.M., when flames engulfed the dirty kitchen and balcony of Mr. Aclinen’s residence. Though the fire was contained, it left the homeowner without electricity and disrupted his daily living.

Moved by the situation, TESDA-CSITE trainees and their trainer responded with urgency and compassion. With the Mountain Province Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MOPRECO) donating the required materials, the team completed the electrical reinstallation work at no cost to the beneficiary.

“This is more than just a training exercise. It’s about using what we’ve learned to help people when they need it most,” said Trainer Aguinaldo.

The outreach not only restored basic utility services to a vulnerable member of the community, but also gave trainees a rare opportunity to apply their technical skills in a real-life setting, enhancing both their competence and their sense of civic responsibility.

The activity underscores the vital role of vocational education in community development and disaster response. Through partnerships like this one between TESDA-CSITE and MOPRECO, technical education becomes a bridge between learning and service.

As the smoke clears, what remains is a shining example of how hands-on skills, guided mentorship, and community collaboration can rebuild more than homes, they can restore dignity and hope.