The Siquijor State College (SSC) has teamed up with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Siquijor (TESDA – Siquijor) for more support to the Science and Techology projects in Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor.

SSC, represented by Dr. Philna Palongpalong, paid a courtesy call on TESDA Siquijor represented by Fletcher Gumahad, TESDA Siquijor Provincial Director on Oct. 12.

Palongpalong is a professor of SSC Research and Extension Division and also team leader of the S&T Community-based Program for Inclusive Development (STC4iD) and Community Empowerment Thru Science and Technology (CEST) projects for the Bitaug Small Coconut Farmers Association (BISMACOFA) at Bitaug, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST – PCAARRD) and DOST Region 7, respectively. 

The visit is in line with the recently culminated TESDA pre-course for Organic Agriculture Production NC II for the acquisition Certificates of Competency (COCs) for 25 BISMACOFA members.

The pre-course, which ran for 11 days, focused on organic fertilizer production that started on July 31 as part of a scholarship granted by TESDA Siquijor in support to the projects of the DOST-7 and DOST-PCAARRD implemented by SSC and managed by BISMACOFA in the area of project management.      

Aside from the free TESDA training, the scholarship also includes allowances.

A separate scholarship consisting of a free Organic Agriculture Production NC II, allowances, and free assessment for the acquisition of COC will be granted.

During the discussion, Palongpalong and Fletcher discussed the scholarship and the NC II training for the 25 trained members which was agreed to be held in November 2021. (PR/Engr. Joelline Ann Ates, SRA&IO-designate/DOST Siquijor PSTC S&T Media Service)