Butuan STEP scholars receive welding machines from the gov’t
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Forty-three scholars of Butuan City, through the City Employment and Services Department – Butuan City Manpower Training Center (CESD–BCMTC) under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), were granted welding machines.
The distribution on April 24 in Barangay Pigdaulan was made possible through the efforts of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga, in collaboration with the District Office of Butuan City Congressional Representative Jose S. Aquino II.
“I assure you of my continued support for our out-of-school youth and all TESDA programs that give our people the skills they need for work, livelihood, and a brighter future,” Rep. Aquino said.
The STEP is a community-based training initiative of TESDA that aims to provide short-term skills training and livelihood opportunities to marginalized sectors, particularly out-of-school youth and unemployed individuals.
Under the program, scholars enroll in various skills training, such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I. SMAW NC I is a basic welding qualification that trains individuals in fundamental welding skills, including proper handling of tools and equipment, safety procedures, and actual welding of metal plates and pipes.
According to CESD-BCMTC, SMAW NC I runs for 37 days or 268 hours, covering basic competencies such as workplace communication, safety, and teamwork (18 hours); common competencies like blueprint reading and tool preparation (56 hours); and core competencies involving actual welding of plates and pipes (194 hours).
One of the beneficiaries, Roberto D. Caisio Jr., shared that he enrolled in the SMAW NC I program upon the recommendation of a friend who previously completed the training. He was formerly a BS Agriculture major in Agronomy student, but had to stop due to financial constraints.
Caisio expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, noting that aside from the free use of welding machines during training, scholars also received a daily allowance of P160. He also shared that he will continue to enroll in other programs like Tile Setting NC II to learn more skills which will broaden his opportunities.
“With the high cost of welding machines today, I never expected that I would receive one for free as a beneficiary. This is a big help for me to continue practicing what I learned and to be ready when opportunities come,” he said.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the CESD–BCMTC office to pre-enroll and secure a slot. Requirements include a barangay certification, photocopies of birth certificate, diploma, and valid ID, as well as two 1×1 ID photos.
Meanwhile, Driving NC II scholars from the Regional Training Center located in Butuan City also received hydraulic jacks and combination wrench. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from CESD-BCMTC)
