By Dhel Nazario
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has been cited by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its significant role in the rehabilitation of some areas in the Visayas Region that were devastated by super-typhoon Yolanda in November, 2013.
This file photo shows houses which were wrecked after a storm surge caused by super-typhoon Yolanda ravaged Tacloban City three years ago. Thousands of people died due to the onslaught of the super-typhoon.
(Manila Bulletin)
The agency received the “JICA President Award for the Project on Rehabilitation and Recovery from Typhoon Yolanda.”
“TESDA as one of JICA’s partners in the implementation of this project is deeply honored to be chosen as one of the recipients of this award along with other partners in our concerted efforts to rehabilitate those areas badly affected by typhoon Yolanda in 2013," said TESDA Secretary Gene Mamondiong
Mamondiong said that JICA helps with the socio-economic agenda of the Philippines aimed at uplifting the lives of many Filipinos and the rest of the world through the Official Development Assistance (ODA).
The recognition is given to "outstanding partners” of the JICA Overseas Offices that yielded positive results through their projects that have directly benefited the public. Through the recognition, JICA is hopeful that the bilateral ties between the Philippines and Japan will be strengthened.
Five years ago, TESDA actively participated in the relief operations and rebuilding of some places destroyed by the supe- typhoon.
Based on the report issued by TESDA-Region Vlll, a total of 18,616 Yolanda survivors completed their training programs from the agency. Of these, 11,615 were assessed, 11,166 received certificates and up to 17,093 people were employed.
JICA has also built two buildings for the TESDA Regional Office Vlll and Balangiga National Agricultural School (BNAS) in Balangiga, Eastern Samar.