Fisheries school in Agusan Norte strengthens linkages
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY – The Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, a school supported by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is strengthening its linkages with key industry players in the fisheries and food processing sectors.
Through an industry visit to General Santos City, NMSF took significant steps toward expanding its Supervised Industry Learning (SIL) or On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in real workplace environments.
According to NMSF Administrator Nancy De Guzman, these industry placements aim to give students relevant, real-world experience while reinforcing the alignment of the school’s curriculum with labor market needs.
During the visit to General Santos City, the NMSF delegation engaged in exploratory meetings with Philbest Canning Corporation and Rell & Renn Fishing Corporation (RRFC) to establish collaborative partnerships.
At Philbest Canning Corporation, NMSF presented a draft of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formalize the partnership. Philbest welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of aligning school-based training with current industry standards. The company also recommended collaborating with the Tuna Manufacturers Association of the Philippines for broader cooperation and curriculum alignment.
“Nurturing partnerships with industry leaders like Philbest Canning Corporation ensures that our students are exposed to relevant and practical experiences that prepare them for real-world challenges,” said De Guzman. “This is a crucial step in producing highly competent and work-ready graduates.”
The team also met with RRFC, where discussions focused on possible OJT placements in aquaculture, food processing, and agriculture. The company expressed strong interest in hosting student interns and recognized the mutual benefits of such collaboration.
De Guzman emphasized that the initiative is part of NMSF’s broader mission to build sustainable industry linkages that benefit both students and employers, bridging the gap between education and employment, and ensuring the continued relevance of technical-vocational education and training (TVET).
NMSF currently has a total of 329 enrolled students, comprised of 147 in the Diploma in Fishery Technology (DFT) program, and 182 in the Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Technology (DHRT) program
For 2025, 214 students are set to undergo OJT, to include 55 DFT students will be deployed to General Santos City for training in fisheries and food processing companies, and 159 DHRT students will undergo OJT in various hotels and restaurants across the Caraga Region.
With its ongoing commitment to TESDA’s TVET thrust, NMSF remains dedicated to building a stronger future for its students through strategic, real-world partnerships because #SaTESDAKayangKaya. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
