TESDA Surigao Sur bags award at DSWD’s Gawad Sulong
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) –The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur proudly received the award on ‘Natatanging Katuwang ng Programa’ during the SLP Gawad Sulong 2025 recently held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel.
Under the national government agency category, the award recognizes TESDA’s unwavering partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in advancing the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), particularly in delivering skills training, capacity-building, and livelihood opportunities that uplift vulnerable and marginalized communities in the province.
Accepting the award on behalf of the agency, TESDA Caraga Assistant Regional Director and concurrent TESDA Surigao del Sur Provincial Director Romel M. Natad described the recognition as both an honor and a reminder of their shared mission.
“On behalf of TESDA Surigao del Sur, Caraga, we are deeply honored to receive the Gawad Sulong Award. This is more than a recognition, it is a reminder that if we empower one family, we uplift a whole community,” Natad said.
He also underscored the synergy between TESDA and DSWD: “Together with DSWD through the Sustainable Livelihood Program, we stand as partners in building hope, dignity, and resilience. Under the banner of TESDA, Kayang Kaya, we remain committed to turning skills into opportunities that change lives.”
Closing his remarks, Natad tied the recognition to the government’s national vision. “This is our humble share to Bagong Pilipinas, where every hand joins to lift our nation higher because nothing is impossible in unity. Thank you DSWD, and may God bless our enduring partnership.”
The Gawad Sulong, first launched in 2024, is DSWD’s official awards and recognition program under the SLP. It seeks to honor excellence among participants, implementers, staff, and partner institutions; showcase success stories of micro-enterprises and associations; and inspire innovation and sustainability in livelihood projects.
Notably, the municipality of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur also brought pride to the province after emerging as the National Best Local Government Unit (LGU) Partner in the SLP, a milestone that further underscores the province’s commitment to inclusive development and good governance.
With this twin victory, Surigao del Sur shines as a model of effective collaboration, where national agencies and local governments work hand in hand to empower communities, strengthen resilience, and sustain progress under the banner of Bagong Pilipinas. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)