DAGUPAN CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA) – A total of 469 Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers and their primary beneficiaries in Pangasinan have completed the “Tsuper Iskolar” program, a joint initiative by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday, Mar. 1 at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City.

“The Tsuper Iskolar, an annual program of DOTr-LTFRB-TESDA, aims to support the transport sector, particularly during the implementation of the Public Transportation Modernization program of the government,” Ronald Allan Sta. Ana, supervising TESDA specialist in Pangasinan, said, representing TESDA Region 1 Director Joel Pilotin.

Sta. Ana clarified if the drivers choose not to enroll in the program, their families and relatives up to a third degree of consanguinity and affinity are allowed to benefit through skills training provided by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-TESDA to support the transportation industry.

He disclosed that the beneficiaries received P12,500 allowance for 35 days.

Meanwhile, LTFRB Region 1 Director Anabel Nullar congratulated the scholars who graduated in the said program.

In her message, she said their successful graduation from the government’s Tsuper Iskolar is a testament to their dedication, determination, and hard work and they are fortunate to have been chosen as beneficiaries of the program, which equipped them with knowledge and practical skills in their respective fields.

“Remember that what you have gone through and learned is not just for yourself, but also for serving your community and those who need your skills. Approach your work with care, love, and professionalism, showcasing your skills at every opportunity. I hope you can put into practice what you have learned,” she added.

Graduates acquired free skills training in Bread and Pastry, Computer System Servicing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Masonry, Tile Setting, and Welding, among others from the Technical Vocational (Tech-Voc) Institutions in Pangasinan.

Tech-Voc institutions include ITECH Computer Academy, Inc., in Malasiqui town; Konstruck Training and Assessment Center, Inc., in Dagupan City; Maxima Technical and Skills Training Institute, Inc., in Dagupan City; Posadas Technological Institute, Inc., in Bugallon town; St. Anne Technical Vocational Training and Assessment Center in the towns of Sta. Maria and Binmaley, and St. Raymund De Peñafort Technical and Skills Training Center, Inc. in San Carlos City.

Esmael Caoile, a graduate of Electrical Installation and Maintenance from Posadas Technological Institute, Inc. expressed his gratitude to the scholarship program.

“I am grateful to our government and everyone involved in the Tsuper Iskolar program, as well as to our dedicated trainers and classmates. Our unity and cooperation during the 15-day training were instrumental in our success, enabling us to pass the assignment and become NC II holders today,” he said.

Nullar said in an interview that the Tsuper Iskolar was launched in 2019 at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen town and has now benefited over 1,000 individuals.

Likewise, Sta. Ana advised those interested in joining the program to visit the TESDA Pangasinan Provincial Office at the Capitol Compound, Lingayen or the office of the LTFRB Region 1 at the Government Center, Barangay Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union to inquire about the necessary qualifications. (JCR/MJTAB/JCDR/JPBS/PIA Pangasinan)