Press Release - TESDA grads thank Sen Alan, Pia for support

Graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's (TESDA) Bread and Pastry Production NCII from Caloocan City thanked Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano for the support they received.

"Nabigyan po kami ng new learnings para makapag-trabaho sa labas ng comfort zone namin," said Rogie Ganituen, one of the 50 students who graduated on February 13, 2024 at the Integrated Innovation and Hospitality (IIH) Colleges Inc.

"Sa pag-aaral ko po, na-apply ko po 'yung BPP [Bread and Pastry Production]... Thank you so much for giving us out this opportunity, na nabigyan kami ng scholarships sa course na 'to," he added.

TESDA held the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) in partnership with the Cayetano siblings. STEP is a community-based program that enhances students' employability and productivity by offering targeted skills training in entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities.

Under STEP, scholars go through four phases of training: Qualification, Competency Standards, Training Standards, and National Assessment and Certification.

Scholars enrolled in this program receive tool kits - including an oven and mixer - and a training allowance which serve as seed capital to start their livelihood endeavors.

Another scholar, Maila Altar, said the course was timely as the price of flour-based food has increased.

"Mahal na po kasi ang presyo ng mga bilihin, lalo na sa mga cakes and breads, mas makakamura kami kasi nakapag-aral kami. Malaking tulong po sa akin 'yung Bread and Pastry," she said.

"Ang tulong na ibinigay sa amin ng mga Cayetano... 'yung tool kit po at oven with mixer," she added.

The training and graduation were made successful due to the support and efforts of the Assessment Center Manager at IIH Colleges Rosel Dela Cruz, Officer in Charge of IIH College Arjade Bocay, and TESDA Trainer and Assessor Les Navarro.

As gifts for the scholars, the sibling senators gave them with Cayetano in Action aprons upon receiving their certificates.

As advocates of technical education, the Cayetano siblings have supported TESDA students in various cities, recently providing allowances and tool kits to Malabon students