PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided a two-day skills training program to equip 100 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) incarcerated in Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) with technical skills for their livelihood.
The training was through the community outreach skills training program given by trainers of the Puerto Princesa School of Arts and Trade (PPSAT) to PDLs under medium security.
Rene Socrates, PPSAT acting vocational instruction supervisor, assures that PDLs will also get national certification that can be used for employment once freed from the penal prison.
“Target na makatulong ito sa PDLs para madagdagan ang kaalaman, asahan niyo na pagkatapos ng training ay hindi lang naka-acquire ng knowledge, makakakuha rin ng certificate,” he said.
(from left to right) PPSAT acting vocational instruction supervisor Rene Socrates, IPPF Superintendent Gary Garcia, IPPF chief of work and livelihood Dr. Teddy Martin sign a memorandum of understanding
The trainees were involved in Food Processing NCIl Tinapa Making, Bread & Pastry Production NC Il, Pandesal Making, Electronic Product Assembly & Services NC II, Repair Household Appliances, Electrical Installation & Maintenance NC II, and Extension Wire Making.
Aside from training, a memorandum of understanding was signed between TESDA-PPSAT and IPPF to signify continuous support between the two on skills training for PDLs.
Iwahig superintendent Gary Garcia reminded trainees to commit to the program as it will benefit them after their releases.
“Maging seryoso kayo at hindi lang ito compliance. Pag-aralan nyo nang maigi at tinitiyak ko na mapapakinabangan niyo ito sa labas,” he said.
For alias Boy, who has been in IPPF for six years, the program will be a good opportunity for him to learn how to bake bread. As a local in Palawan, he wants to pursue baking after his release from prison.
“Sa tingin ko magiging maganda ang maidudulot nito. Gaya sa amin na walang kaalaman, magagamit naming ito sa paglabas namin. Interesado kaming matuto sa lahat ng ibibigay ng TESDA,” he said.
The training proper was conducted inside the medium-security compound of the central sub-colony. (RG/PIA Mimaropa - Palawan)
