CEBU CITY, Cebu, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- A total of 22 residents of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) graduated from the Electrical Installation and Maintenance NCII course of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Oct. 27. 

The 22 graduates are the pioneering batch of TESDA trainees of the center, said DSWD-7 Regional Information Officer Leah Quintana. 

“We will not forget all the help we received because if it were not for you, we would not be able to recognize our part in our respective communities, especially when we get out of here,” said Jose, 18, during his graduation speech.

According to DSWD-7’s Regional Information Officer Leah Quintana, Jose is among the 22 residents of the RRCY who graduated from TESDA’s Electrical Installation and Maintenance NCII course. 

Jose hopes that one day, after his discharge, he can use his acquired skill for sideline work while pursuing his dream to become a social worker to help individuals like him get back on track and live life without fear and uncertainties, said Quintana.

DSWD-7 Regional Director Rebecca Geamala congratulated the graduates on their achievements and challenged them to forget their past experiences and to ensure that when they are out, they become a different person living with integrity.

“I really wanted all residents of RRCY, before leaving, will become a person. Your integrity will not be questioned and when you work, you will not be disqualified as far as work is concerned,” Geamala said.

RRCY Head Aileen Cuevas hopes that through their partnership with TESDA, the residents may be equipped with practical and useful skills that they can use in order to have a better way of living and ensure productivity once they are discharged from the center.

In the event that they may already be discharged from the center, they are already NCII passers.

Some of them may want to continue their studies and others can find a decent job with good income because they are productive, Cuevas said.

Cuevas said residents are given the freedom to sign up or decline the courses offered because it is a matter of commitment and interest.

She assured that the social workers, who are also case managers, play a major role in advising which course fits well with every client. (JSME/PIA7 with reports from DSWD-7)