VICTORIAS CITY, Negros Occidental – More employment opportunities are expected to open in Negros Occidental’s third district from the proposed P1-billion convention center and the expansion of the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez said.

These projects were announced during the Metro Third Mass Graduation of 2,065 graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at the Victorias City Coliseum in Victorias City on Thursday, May 7.

Benitez said the Negros Occidental Convention Center and the upgrade of Bacolod-Silay Airport are expected to generate jobs, attract tourists, and encourage more business activities and events in the province.

“This is what Metro Third means – a platform for jobs, families, and generations to come,” Benitez said.

The convention center will accommodate up to 6,200 people and serve as a venue for conferences, conventions, cultural programs, and other major gatherings.

Benitez said the airport runway will be extended by 500 meters, passenger terminal expanded, and customs and immigration facilities will be established to prepare for possible international flights.

He noted that neighboring regions already operate international routes and said it is time for Negros Occidental to have the same advantage.

The lawmaker said these projects are being targeted for implementation in 2026 and 2027, with the convention center expected to be completed by late 2027 or early 2028.

He added that House leaders have verbally committed support for the convention center, while the Department of Transportation has pledged assistance for airport upgrades.

“These are all for our TESDA graduates,” Benitez said as he commended the agency for receiving a record P19-billion budget for technical-vocational training.

TESDA-Negros Island Region (NIR) Director Niña Connie Dodd confirmed the completion of the graduates under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), which provides free community-based vocational courses.

Graduates came from several local government units, including E.B. Magalona, Murcia, Silay City, Talisay City, and Victorias City.

They received certifications in courses such as cookery, welding, agriculture production, organic farming, carpentry, masonry, and animal production. Starter tools were also distributed after the ceremony.

Training providers include Master Global Education and Livelihood Inc., MBA Forest Technical School Inc., MDM Sagay College Inc., and Philippine Organized Workforce for Economic Recovery Foundation Inc.

Benitez encouraged graduates to value their acquired skills and certifications, saying these would help them secure employment, support their families, and contribute to stronger communities.

“Skills cannot be taken away. They will help feed families, build homes, support communities, and secure your future,” he said.

In a video message, TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez congratulated the graduates and described their certificates as “a passport to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.”

“This achievement did not come easy, behind the certificate is sacrifices, late nights, early mornings, balancing families and responsibilities, doubt, and exhaustion, but you pushed it through, you showed up, and finished,” he said.

E.B. Magalona Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon, Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, Murcia Vice Mayor Johnny Reosura, representing Mayor Gerry Rojas, Talisay City Councilor Martin Gerard Lizares, representing Mayor Rowena Lizares, and Victorias City Vice Mayor Derek Palanca, representing Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, backed TESDA programs and pledged continued partnerships to create more opportunities for Negros Occidental residents.