“Embrace a new mind set of openness for opportunities.. Make the most of your new skills. Be productive citizens of your community.  Your ASENSO challenge starts today! “  This was the message (relayed by representatives of the Congressional District Office) of Congressman Alfredo Benitez to the 123  residents of the Third District of Negros Occidental during the ‘graduation’ of the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).

TESDA Provincial Director, Dir. Jimmicio S. Daoaten with trainees from Victorias of Hilot Wellness Massage Therapy Program

Residents of Victorias, EB Magalona, Talisay and Murcia to include inmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) – Victorias recently completed livelihood skills training with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and were given their certificates of completion and tool kits.  Two separate  STEP  Completion Rites were held in Talisay City and in Victorias City led by TESDA

Provincial Director Jimmicio Daoaten, TESDA Specialist Engr. Pablo Cortez, officials from the local government and the barangays, and the Program & Services Group of  the Congressional District Office led by Lagrimas Silvestre.

Thirty (30) trainees from Victorias completed the Hilot Wellness Massage Therapy Program.  Fifty (50) from the barangays of Talisay and EB Magalona finished the Shielded Metal Arc Welding Program, forty three (43) from Murcia and Victorias underwent the Service Engine leading to Automotive Program.

EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon with graduates of the Shielded Metal Arc Welding Program with their tool starter kits

Congressman Benitez has partnered with TESDA since 2011 for the participation of constituents in various TESDA programs among them, the STEP, Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA).  To date, close to 2,000 residents have availed of the livelihood courses and have either found employment locally or abroad or have started their own business.*