ONE of the priority projects in Lanao del Sur under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) training which has an allocated budget of P30 million.
Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong, director general of Tesda, said the budget is for the 10,000 target trainees in Lanao del Sur.
“We provide skills training and as of today, we already trained more than 5,000 skilled workers,” Mamondiong said.
He added that construction-related courses are prioritized the most, especially in Lanao del Sur, since the president has been actively promoting the “Build, Build, Build” program and with the expected rebuilding and development of the city.
“The 123 Tesda training centers will focus on construction-related courses. Ang kagandahan pa nito, aside sa libre ang tuition, meron pa silang allowance sa transportation at book allowance (Aside from the free tuition, they also have transportation and book allowance),” he added.
Although some of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are not into construction-related skills, Tesda said that in order to rehabilitate and develop the siege-affected city, they should realize that there is already a need to learn these skills.
“Who will build Marawi? Who will help them? Without them, development cannot be achieved,” Mamondiong said, adding that the IDPs should realize that if they want to go back to their homes, they need to help themselves and take part in the development programs of the government.