CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Public utility drivers in Central Luzon may now avail themselves of a training program that will earn them national certifications as professional public utility drivers and operators.
The program is under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Tsuper Iskolar Program in Central Luzon that was launched at SM Telebastagan Friday, October 11.
The event is in cooperation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and was attended by 500 individuals from different transport sectors in Central Luzon.
Tesda Regional Director Florencio Sunico Jr., who represented Secretary Isidro Lapena, said the program is in line with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) being undertaken by the National Government through the DOTr.
The training program aims to equip beneficiaries with the proper skills set for public driving and operations.
Sunico said that aside from the certification, each of the would-be enrollees would receive P350 per day for their 35-day training.
"After the training and assessment, participants will also receive NCII or certificates proving that they are professional drivers and operators," Sunico said, stressing that the program is backed by government through the memorandum of agreement signed by DOTr and Tesda for the Stakeholder Support Mechanism Component of PUVMP. This was signed in December 2018.
Pampanga Third District Board Member Rosve Henson, who represented Governor Dennis Pineda, was positive about the training program.
"We all know the importance of jeepney drivers in our society. Because of them, we are able to go anywhere we like in a more convenient way. So, we are really thankful to DOTr and Tesda for bringing this program here in Region III," said Henson.