FIFTY residents of Hinoba-an have finished their Shielded Metal Arc Welding I and II course with the aid of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Mirai Empower Foundation Corporation and the Municipal Government.
The graduation was held at the Bilbao Uybico National High School Wednesday, September 26.
Gracing the graduation rites were Mayor Ernesto Estrao, Tesda Specialist II Eudina David, Mirai Empower Foundation Corporation president Maria Jesusa Moldes, chairman of the board Hidekazu Matsuoka, and other officials.
Estrao said this is part of his program on education as he believes that education is the great equalizer between the rich and the poor.
"The knowledge and skills that you have learned from the training can never be taken from you as long as you live. Education is the key to a golden door of success. Failure will never overtake you as long as you have a strong determination to succeed," he told the graduates.
David said the important values that they have to learn in Tesda training is knowledge, skills, and attitude.
“You have now the skills and have your dreams, so pursue it. You already have the confidence in this training. Skills give hope that change lives for the better. Your attitude is either your greatest friend or enemy. It will all depend on your attitude,” David told them.
Matsuoka said graduation is the path towards achieving their own goals.
Twenty-five graduates were given their National Certificate for SMAW I and another 25 received their NC II SMAW certificate.
Estrao promised to expand Tesda trainings in his town to prepare its labor force to the many employment opportunities that are coming in his town.