The House Committee on Appropriations has sought the Department of Budget and Management’s restoration of the 2018 and 2019 funds allocated for the starter toolkits for scholars in the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).
The House panel approved the motion made by the Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, panel vice chairperson.
"I would like to propose to reinstate back the funding for those tool kits so that we can address the problem, which has been lagging for the last two years. I think we put back that budget for tool kits, especially the tool kits for 2018, to once and for all, address the issue which has been there in 2018, 2019. Mr Chair, I move accordingly,” was Dalipe’s motion.
The motion was unanimously approved by the panel during its deliberations on the proposed 2021 budget of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Dalipe made the motion after his colleagues expressed disappointment over TESDA’s failure to immediately distribute the tool kits meant for STEP trainees.Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr. and Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman called on TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña to immediately address the non-distribution of the starter toolkits of vocational graduates.
"TESDA has been involved in training programs, training projects. For the last two years, we have been confronted with this problem of lack of tool kits. Mr. Secretary, has the TESDA resolved this issue, because most of the time our constituents are blaming us for not providing them with the necessary tool kits. I understand that TESDA has some problems with contractors, has this been resolved, Mr. Secretary,” Bordado said.
Lapeña apprised the panel that they "still have a total of P1.03 billion worth of toolkits for bidding.”“It is scheduled on October 30, your Honor…out of 71 slots, 36 slots have been awarded and it is ready for delivery,” he said.
Roman, chairperson of the House Committee on Veteran Affairs, cited Lapeña for his agency’s failure to immediately procure and distribute the toolkits.
“Huwag tayong magpapaasa, kung hindi naman tayo makakapagdeliver. Ano nga po ang nangyari sa toolkits na ipinangako nyo?(Don’t make us wait if you cannot deliver. What happened to the toolkits which you have promised?” she asked.
The House leader sought a congressional probe to look into the TESDA’s awards and bidding process.
“Ano pa ba ang hinihintay, muling mapapako o hindi? Para naman malaman natin kung ano ang nagiging problema nyo dyan sa award and bidding process. (What are you waiting for, will your promise be broken or not? So that we would know the problems in your award and bidding process) Dapat magpatawag tayo ng (We should call an) investigation in aid of legislation to review your bidding and awards process,” Roman said.
In response to Roman, Lapeña said the toolkits are "under procurement" by the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC), reiterating that 36 slots were already awarded and the delivery is expected this coming October under the post qualification process with the PITC."The procurement of tool kits for 2018 it was returned to the Treasury. We talked with the general manager of the PITC. He promised that he would expedite the procurement,” the TESDA Chief said.
“At this point, I know that our Director Lapeña is working in good faith, if we are to add additional funds to TESDA, your promise will not suffice. We need a specific date. I am not only speaking for myself, but for so many congressman and congresswomen who have been waiting for your toolkits. 2019 pa po yan, September 2020 na po ngayon (It was due for distribution in 2019, and it’s September 2020 now).I want a firm commitment,” Roman said.