Hilongos town produces first batch of TESDA graduates

HILONGOS, LEYTE ,Philippines  - A total of 39 students were the first batch of TESDA-mentored graduates in this town. Twenty two of them finished the course on Shielded Metal Arc Welding while 17 others graduated from Household Services course.

Pio Maglana, TESDA Leyte province supervising specialist who was the guest speaker during the graduation rites the other day, encouraged the new graduates to carve their own future, while challenging them to try also the shipping industry sector.

"Do not be afraid, you have now the necessary skills and training. We know that your Tek-Bok (Technical-Vocational) education prepares you," he said. "You have the advantage if you are TESDA-certified; trust in the things that you can do and highly capable of doing."

Mayor Jose Emery Roble, who is in shipping business as his family operates both cargo and passenger vessels, told the crowd at the Plaza Rizal that the event was another campaign promise fulfillment.

Roble presented, during the election campaign, his E - E (Education - Employment) program platform. "Mr. Maglana challenges you (graduates) to try the shipping sector- to complete the connection (from E to E), I now challenge you all to submit your application forms," he told the graduates.

The mayor said he was more than happy to see that historic event made more dignified because all 39 of them successfully passed the assessment.

Guests during the graduation included Leyte Provincial Board Member Carlo Loreto, Daisy Lagaday, TESDA-Calubian National Vocational School Administrator, and town Councilors Reynaldo Badilla and Dondon Flanco, among others.