Taguig City – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) honored its partners from various sectors, which include Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, for their significant contributions in technical education and skills development (TESD) in the country.
The annual Kabalikat Awards is given to TESDA’s most active and outstanding partners who have assisted the agency in developing, enhancing and implementing training programs that have resulted in better employability of Filipino skilled workers.
These include partners from local government units (LGUs); the legislative branch; the national government agencies (NGA); government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs); non-government organizations (NGOs); private businesses and companies; and local and international organizations.
TESDA awarded Go as the 2021 National Kabalikat Special Awardee for “Mr. Malasakit's ‘Bisyo ang Magserbisyo’ advocacy, specifically his never-ending support for the advancement of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Philippines. Through his unwavering assistance, TESDA was able to establish the much-needed infrastructure and increase its human resource complement for the delivery of relevant, efficient, accessible, and high-quality technical education and skills development, thereby strengthening the ability of the Filipino workforce to adapt to the demands of the changing industry environment.”
Meanwhile, TESDA awarded the 2021 National Kabalikat Award to Provincial Governments of Pangasinan, Tarlac, Davao Oriental, and Benguet; City Governments of Lipa in Batangas, Roxas in Oriental Mindoro, Ligao in Albay, and Ormoc in Leyte; and Municipal Governments of Baggao in Cagayan, Loboc in Bohol, Pigcawayan in Cotabato and Navotas Vocational Training and Assessment Institute of the Navotas City Government as local government unit (LGU) partner.
For the industry partners, TESDA cited Philippine Contractors Association, Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc., Diffun Saranay and Development Cooperative (DISADECO), Astec Power Philippines, Inc., Jopats Hotel and Resort, Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC) and Philgold Processing and Refining Corporation (PGPRC), Isuzu Motors Limited, Permex Producer and Exporter Corporation, Octa-M Farm Products, and Cosmic Farm.
For legislative partners, TESDA awarded Deputy Speaker Cong. Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro, Cong. Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda of Antique, Cong. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe of 2nd District of Zamboanga City, and Cong. Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II of 1st District of Surigao Del Norte.
In his speech, TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña acknowledged the help of the different sectors and thanked them for advancing the TVET in the country.
“The partnerships that we have with various sectors continue to grow, especially now that we have intensified our services to the marginalized and the most disadvantaged areas in the country,” Lapeña said.
“I would like to commend the dedication and commitment of our partners both from the public and private sectors,” he added.
The 2021 Kabalikat Awards started with TESDA’s Provincial and Executive Offices nominating their awardees for any or all of the five different categories: Industry Partners, LGU Partners, Legislative Partners, Development Partners, and National Government Agencies.
Careful evaluation is then done by the Regional/Executive Office screening committees considering several criteria including the nominees’ investment to technical education and skills development (TESD), promotion and advocacy activities, employment facilitation assistance, and opportunities provided, quality assurance certification, and their continuous support to TESD. (TESDA)
