TESDA’s World Café of Opportunities reaches Bislig City
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Surigao del Sur, in partnership with the city government of Bislig, recently staged the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) as part of the city’s 25th Charter Day, offering residents easier access to training, certification, and employment services.
The activity brought together national agencies, local employers, recruitment partners, and service providers into a one-stop hub, serving a total of 571 individuals.
According to TESDA Assistant Regional Director and Surigao del Sur Director Romel Natad, one of the key highlights was the release of P3,084,400 worth of Training Support Fund (TSF) to 272 scholars enrolled in TESDA’s diploma programs.
TESD Specialist Lee Escobal also expressed support, noting that TESDA provided onsite services such as National Certificate (NC) renewal and sealing, job matching, as well as processing of training and assessment applications, bringing opportunities closer to the community.
For many participants, the WCO truly brought government services closer to the community. Philip Alvar, one of the beneficiaries who renewed his NC during the event said, “Thank you for bringing the World Café of Opportunities to Bislig! We, Bisliganons and residents of nearby municipalities, are deeply grateful for your efforts in making national competency certificate processing, sealing, and renewal more accessible. Your visit has truly made a significant impact.”
TESDA further reported that 180 job seekers registered during the job fair, with 12 hired on the spot and 112 classified as near-hires, underscoring the program’s immediate impact on employment.
Backed by the strong support of Bislig City Mayor Florencio C. Garay, the WCO became more than just a service caravan, it stood as a convergence of opportunities, reaffirming TESDA’s mission of transforming skills development into actual livelihood and employment while empowering Surigaonons to build a brighter future. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
