New hope for Siargao women: Pilar town breaks ground for caregiving training facility
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Local officials and education sector leaders recently converged in Pilar, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte to break ground for a specialized training facility for caregiving NC II, signalling a major boost in livelihood and overseas employment prospects for local women across the island.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Catalina Tacubao, LGU Pilar Sangguniang Bayan member Judy Ann Cometa-Go, Pilar National High School Principal Reysan J. Tesiorna, and Siargao TESDA Center Administrator Reymart Balaga spearheaded the ceremonial activity on October 8.
Designed to open doors to gainful employment abroad, the facility will primarily serve women in Pilar aged 18 to 33. The curriculum will focus on industry-grade caregiving skills, patient handling, healthcare assistance, and global competency standards.
SB Cometa-Go, the project’s proponent, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond mere skills training—it is about economic mobility and family transformation. ”This project was born out of a clear vision: to empower our local young women by equipping them with world-class competencies,” the elected official said.
“Caregiving is one of the most in-demand professions globally today. By building this training center right here in Pilar, we are giving our women aged 18 to 33 a direct path to sustainable, high-paying employment abroad. This will enable them to transform their lives, uplift their households, and secure a brighter future for their families,” she added.
For local youth, the establishment of the facility brings opportunities directly to their doorstep without the financial burden of travelling to main cities.
“As someone who has always dreamed of working abroad to give my family a better life, having this TESDA facility right here in Pilar is an absolute answer to our prayers,” said 25-year-old resident Anna Rose, who plans to enroll in the pioneer batch.
“Before, we had to travel far and spend so much just to get certified, but now we can acquire world-class caregiving skills right in our own hometown. I am truly grateful for this chance to build a brighter future,” she added.
Meanwhile, TESDA Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Catalina Tacubao commended the strong collaboration between the local government unit and the public education sector, highlighting the agency’s commitment to bringing technical-vocational education straight to island communities.
“TESDA remains steadfast in its mandate to deliver quality, accessible, and market-driven skills training to every corner of the province,” Dir. Tacubao said.. “Establishing a caregiving NC II training facility in Siargao Island ensures that our rural constituents no longer need to move to major urban centres just to acquire certified, job-ready skills. We are fully committed to assisting Pilar in producing globally competitive caregiving professionals who meet international market standards.”
Meanwhile, Pilar National High School Principal Reysan J. Tesiorna expressed gratitude for hosting the pioneering initiative, noting that the presence of a vocational facility enriches local educational pathways and serves as a vital community asset.
The groundbreaking ceremony was well-attended by students, faculty, community leaders, and local stakeholders who welcomed the development as a crucial step toward gender empowerment and economic resilience in Siargao Island. Construction is set to begin immediately, with inaugural training batches expected once facility accreditation is finalized. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
