PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA)--The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) opened job opportunities to graduates of Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the World Café of Opportunities (WCO).

Provincial Director Gerardo Mercado said that the annual WCO is one of the job platforms of TESDA under the job linkage system, whose primary objective is to bring closer job opportunities to graduates and alumni of the TESDA program.

Around 56 graduates joined the WCO and availed themselves of opportunities from 14 partner industries of TESDA.

"Kaya rin naming ginawa sa mall ay para maging one-stop shop na siya kung iri-require sya ng requirements. Marami ang na-hire during that activity, doon din namin in-offer ang tinatawag namin na CACW—plus the TESDA scholarship programs ay in-offer na rin namin sa mga walk-in at unemployed adults," he said.

Aside from job opportunities, TESDA Palawan also distributed the tool kits under the scholarship program called the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP). It is community-based training with free assessments and allowances provided.

After the training proper, the scholars will receive tool kits to enhance their skills and become self-employed, which is the goal of the program.

On the other hand, the Competency Assessment and Certification for Workers (CACW) offered by TESDA is the conduct of competency assessment and certification specifically for industry workers in identified key sectors or qualifications.

"Kung saan ang national competency assessment ay binibigay namin ng libre para sa existing workers. Kagandahan doon ay most of the company don ay nasa industry sector kaya sila mismo ang nag-fill up ng available slots para sa competency assessment. Kasi sa hotel industry natin ay required na rin na ang personnel nila ay may national certificate," he said. (RPG/PIA Mimaropa-Palawan)