THE regional office of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP 11) led the groundbreaking ceremony for two Multi-purpose Training Courts for Indigenous People (IPs).
Tesda regional director Gaspar S. Gayona said that once construction is completed, the facility will serve as a common place where delivery of government services will be conducted for better accessibility.
It will be the training facility for Tesda’s Special Skills Training Program (SSTP), where IPs will be trained with their preferred skills to have a head start for their livelihood.
“The training courts serve as the common service facility of government agencies. Trainings and other activities to be conducted by the agencies will be held here,” Gayona said.
The groundbreaking ceremony was conducted last April 3 and 4.
The facilities will rise in Sitio Luyan in Barangay Tambobong, Calinan, Davao City and Sitio Bacoco in Barangay Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur.
Similar training facilities will be built in five other target locations in Davao Region starting this year.
“The project aims to provide IP communities especially in far flung areas a venue for Tesda and other government agencies to conduct various skills trainings and other activities needed to deliver better and more services to the IPs,” he added.
Tesda has an array of technical skills offered where IPs may including plumbing, masonry, carpentry, hollow block making, tile setting, small engine mechanics, food processing and among other.
Taking consideration of IPs concerns, Gayona however added that the tribal leaders can discuss with their respective tribes should they want specific trainings that they want to avail.
Gayona urged Lumad leaders to pursue their youths and enroll them to their 3-year Diploma Program, assuring that free training, assessment, accommodation and allowances will be provided.
Meanwhile, Aguio underscored that he is hopeful that the Ovu Manuvu tribe at Sitio Luyan and Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe at Sitio Bacoco will also do their part for the success of the programs intended for them.
The NCIP 11 will implement its Integrated Ancestral Domain Development Approach (IADDA) project which shall include different capacity development trainings for Ips.
“The convergence of the government agencies will pave way for many results and there will be more benefits for the IPs,” Aguio said.
He challenged the tribal communities, especially the leaders, to be responsible and accountable with the given projects and programs.
“I challenge all the leaders that we all we take care and show the government that we are responsible and capable to receive these projects,” he said.