Dinagat Islands women break gender barriers with TESDA’s masonry training
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Six women from the Province of Dinagat Islands participated in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) training on masonry national certificate (NC) II, breaking the stigma on “gendered skills.”
Held on June 15 at TESDA’s provincial training center in Dinagat Islands, some women were among the 25 scholars who were taught to perform structural layering, lay concrete hollow blocks, and master foundational masonry.
For the women-trainees, it motivated them to enroll in the program, opening an inclusive and productive opportunity to join the pool of highly skilled local construction workforce for upcoming infrastructure projects within the province under the Trabaho. Kom, an ongoing partnership spearheaded by the Congressional Office of Dinagat Islands, together with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Public Employment Service Office, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and TESDA.
They added that with NC II, this served as solid proof that they have the intermediate skills required for a specific job and a significant credential on employment readiness, meeting the industry workplace standards sought after by employers locally and overseas, highlighting the promise of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the workforce sector in the country through skills development and training.
According to Roberto J. Salibungcogon Jr., acting center administrator, TESDA empowers women in the province by allowing them to participate in non-traditional qualifications. He explained that under the leadership of Provincial Director Abegail B. Eupeña, the training program is implemented as part of TESDA-Dinagat Islands’ commitment to advocating for women’s participation in non-traditional trades and priority sectors.
“TESDA encourages women to enroll in non-traditional qualifications like masonry, enabling them to enhance their skills, experience, and acquired competencies,” he said.
Also, he shared that TESDA’s Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) supports trainees, allowing beneficiaries to take the course at no cost, including free training support fund and assessment fee.
“All scholars are also beneficiaries of the DOLE’s program on Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), which provides temporary employment assistance to ensure that participation in the training does not adversely affect their source of income and livelihood,” Salibungcogon added. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from TESDA Caraga)
