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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Villanueva tells gov't: Create programs to produce railway tech experts​

Villanueva tells gov't: Create programs to produce railway tech experts​

Published Mar 29, 2022 05:07 pm

Senator Joel Villanueva has called on the national government to create a program that aims to produce "a cadre of railway technology experts" through universities as the country’s upcoming railway project will become a "huge job generator."

In a statement Tuesday, Villanueva said the upcoming Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul project, which will reach the Bicol region, will require trained and skilled manpower to run and operate.

Therefore, he said the government should come up with a program that will produce talents with necessary skills.

Currently, only the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is offering a graduate program in railway engineering.

Villanueva also called on the government to expedite the expansion of these initiatives to more institutions. He made the call prior to his scheduled visit in Bicol this week.

For Villanueva, the "modernized and extended Bicol Express" will be a game changer as it will connect people "safely and cheaply" from across three regions—Metro Manila, Region 4A and Bicol.

On the other hand, the lawmaker also urged Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to ensure accessibility of programs for skilling, upskilling, and reskilling of workers, especially in the construction sector, to successfully implement and construct the government’s infrastructure projects.

He even defended TESDA's 2022 budget and advocated for the inclusion of P1.515 billion under the Tulong Trabaho Law, which will extend industry-approved training for its beneficiaries.

Currently, Villanueva is eyeing railway-related jobs as significant components in the National Employment Recovery Strategy in its aim to create 2 million jobs.

He also said railway jobs are part of the job creation aspect in the continuation of the present administration’s Build, Build, Build initiative.

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PNR joel villanueva Railway tesda
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