Lumbatan trainees graduate from TESDA courses

Jamaleah Lao Benito-Dimaporo 

Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur 

Forty- five trainees of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) month-long training in this town graduated last, December 21.

There were 19 graduates from the Dressmaking course, 15 from Carpentry and 11 from Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM).

The training is under the Barangay Kabuhayan Skills Training Program of TESDA.

Lumbatan is one of the 10 municipalities in Lanao del Sur granted with this program.

Sultan Yahya Manalocon, Administrator of TESDA’s Provincial Manpower Development Center in Lanao del Sur, said the training “will provide the trainees with necessary skills that will qualify them for self or open employment.”

Jamil Malik, 41, one of the graduates of EIM, said that the training has helped him gain knowledge on basic and intermediate electrical installation.

“With my new skill, I hope that I will find a job,” said Malik who has been unemployed for quite some time.

Malik added that he can now fix their electrical wirings at home without hiring someone to do it.

At 56, Normillah Bale one of the oldest among the 45 graduates. She finished her training course on Dressmaking.

“This is really a great help in our livelihood” said Bale, of the training.

Another trainee who graduated is the 64-year old Masiricampo Undi.

Undi said that despite his age, he still enrolled in the Carpentry course to serve as an inspiration to youth.

“You are never too old to learn,” said Undi.

During the graduation program, the trainees also received their training allowance courtesy of the local government unit.

Allan I. Lao, Mayor of Lumbatan, said he supports livelihood programs like this because it empowers his constituents.

“When you need something, just let my office know and I will do everything I can to help you,” said Lao.

TNRS