The Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) has started distributing starter toolkits to a total of 139,200 Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) scholars who graduated from the agency’s training programs in 2019.
On Feb. 10, TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña led the ceremonial turnover of toolkits to 30 STEP scholars from National Capital Region (NCR) in Taguig City.
"I am very happy to see all of you receiving your toolkits.I hope that you will use these to uplift your lives and help you overcome the challenges that this pandemic has brought us. Now, you can start your own livelihood and pursue a more comfortable life as envisioned by President Rodrigo Duterte," he said in a statement.
Lapeña explained that TESDA does not only aim to train and equip Filipinos with skills they need to have a stable job or sustainable livelihood, but also provide them with tools and equipment for them to use in their practice what they have learned and start earning.
The regional and provincial offices of TESDA started distributing the 128,513 starter toolkits for the qualifications under the sectors of agriculture, construction, health and wellness, and food and beverages after it was all delivered by the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC).
Toolkits were also distributed to 249 STEP scholars from eight villages of Quezon City.
In Pampanga, TESDA-III distributed STEP toolkits for 121 scholars coming from two different Technical Vocational Institutions in the province.
A total of 75 STEP scholars in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur also received their starter toolkits during a ceremonial turnover held at Del Gallego Central School Multi-Purpose Hall.
Meanwhile, 45 STEP scholars in Bread and Pastry Production NC II received their starter toolkits on Feb. 17 at the Provincial Training Center of Northern Samar handed by TESDA officials.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I holders in Misamis Oriental received their toolkits from TESDA-X on Feb. 18, as well as STEP scholars in the town of Tubod, Lanao del Norte on Feb. 16 which was facilitated by Lanao Norte National Agro-Industrial School.