Villanueva willing to be 'epal' to promote programs

MANILA, Philippines - Here’s one government official proud to be an “epal (thick-skinned).”

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief Joel Villanueva said he is willing to be called an “epal” if this would allow him to promote the various programs of the agency.

“What is important for me is that the public would see what we are doing. Now if the definition of ‘epal’ is doing your job, I’d rather be ‘epal’ than not do my job,” Villanueva told reporters.

TESDA has been using tarpaulins bearing his name and picture in an effort to inform the public about the various programs of the agency as well as reach out to people in areas with no access to broadcast and print media.

According to Villanueva, he even took up TESDA training for bartending just to promote the agency.

Villanueva, who is reportedly planning to run as senator under the Liberal Party (LP), said critics have probably been calling him “epal” because they cannot find any fault in him or find other ways to attack him.

He said the government did not spend for the printing of TESDA posters bearing his name and picture since these were all paid for by his friends and supporters.

Villanueva added that under former TESDA chief Bobby Syjuco, the agency spent P33 million for advertisements but this time, they only shelled out P13,000 for leaflets.

“My conscience is clear, my intentions are clean,” Villanueva said.

He, however, added that he had asked his supporters to take down all his tarpaulins and billboards because the criticisms against the posters distract him from performing his job.