Project Tubod brings TESDA-recognized plumbing track to Lapu-Lapu school

CEBU, Philippines — A technical-vocational education initiative aimed at producing more industry-ready skilled workers in the water sector is bringing a TESDA-recognized plumbing certification track to Marigondon National High School.

The initiative, called Project Tubod, is being implemented by Vivant Foundation Inc. (VFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of Cebu-based Vivant Corporation, in partnership with the City of Lapu-Lapu, Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Under the project, the foundation turned over TESDA-standard plumbing tools and equipment to Marigondon National High School to support the school’s first-ever Plumbing National Certificate II (NC II) track for senior high school students.

VFI also provided teacher training to help the school comply with DepEd requirements for offering the certification program.

Project Tubod seeks to address the continuing gap between the skills developed in schools and the technical qualifications required by industries, particularly in the water sector where trained and certified plumbers are increasingly needed.

The project is especially relevant in rapidly developing areas such as Lapu-Lapu City and Bantayan Island, where demand for water infrastructure and related services continues to grow.

Marigondon National High School, which has nearly 8,000 senior high school students, is the fourth public school to receive assistance under Project Tubod. It follows Liloan National High School in Cebu, Palawan National School in Puerto Princesa City, and Santa Fe National High School in Bantayan, Cebu.

At Santa Fe National High School, two teachers have already completed training and passed their NC II assessment.

“It all starts with our young learners. When we equip them with the right skills, we’re not only preparing them for the future, we’re also helping protect one of our most important resources: water,” said Shem Jose W. Garcia, executive director of Vivant Foundation Inc. in a statement.

MCWD General Manager Atty. John DX Lapid said the project would help strengthen the technical workforce needed to maintain the region’s water infrastructure.

“Water infrastructure is only as strong as the people who maintain it,” Lapid said, adding that developing the next generation of certified plumbers would strengthen the technical foundation of water systems for years to come.

For DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Marilyn S. Andales, the program helps bring the K-to-12 curriculum closer to actual industry requirements.

She said the certification track gives senior high school students a direct pathway to employment after graduation.

Marigondon National High School Senior High School Principal Jerlie Marie Baguio described the launch of the Plumbing NC II track as a significant milestone for the school.

She said the industry-recognized qualification would give students a practical skill they could use after graduation, with the tools, training and support provided through Vivant Foundation and its partners.

The project takes its name from the Bisaya word “tubod,” meaning spring, a natural source where water rises from the ground.

Vivant Foundation in a statement said the name reflects the project’s vision of young learners as a source of future skilled workers who can help sustain the water sector.

Through Project Tubod, the foundation aims not only to provide schools with equipment but also to develop a pool of certified young plumbers equipped with skills that can respond to the growing needs of communities and the water industry. -  LPM (CEBU NEWS)