Two hundred seventeen (217) residents of the Third District recently were awarded their completion certificates by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for completing the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), getting them ready for gainful employment or to start livelihood ventures in the home or in the community.

Beneficiaries of the TESDA STEP during the completion rites held recently in Barangay 5 in Silay City with TESDA Provincial Director Jimm Daoaten, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez and PWU President Dr. Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez.

          The skills trainings  were conducted by TESDA in partnership with the office of Congressman Alfredo Benitez who facilitated the community-based training sessions in coordination with the local government units of the Third District.

          Philippine Women’s University president and brother of Cong. Benitez, Dr, Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, who represented him in the graduation programs held recently in Silay City and also In Talisay City, rallied the beneficiaries to bring with them the education and skills, and the dignity of labor, wherever they may be, so they can bring development and progress to their families and communities.

          TESDA provincial director Jimm Daoaten cited the partnership of TESDA, LGUs and Cong Benitez in providing invaluable opportunities to all sectors who are in need of skills.

          Both Dr. Benitez and Director Daoaten also highlighted the assistance of the training providers – Master Global Education and Livelihood, Inc., Pearl Manor Skills Academy, Inc., Regional Training Center in Talisay, and the First Academy of Skills and Technology.

          The trainings included Hilot (Welness Massage), Bread-making, Cake-making, Food Processing (salting,curing,smoking), and Service Motorcycle/Small Engine System Servicing.  Sectoral groups covered were women, fisherfolks, OFWs, drug rehab finishers, and inmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Talisay and Silay.*