RTC-Baguio acquires STAR

QUEZON CITY, Manila - The Regional Training Center-Baguio (RTC-Baguio) was honored with the 2-STAR Award for its Machining National Certificate (NC) II program by the TESDA Central Office.

The rating was based on the ocular visit and evaluation conducted by the STAR validation team of the TESDA Central Office on May 22-23, 2017. Machining is the RTC’s distinctive area of competence, producing graduates that supply the metal manufacturing industries in the Region as well as in Region III, IV-A and NCR.

Based on the evaluation of the national team, the Machining program earned 450 points which qualified it to the 2-STAR rating under the STAR Rating System of Technical Vocational and Education and Training (TVET) Programs, the highest of which is 3 STARS.

The rating signifies that the program delivery and performance is substantially above the threshold of quality standards and is valid for two years.

“The 2-STAR award is a big boost for RTC-Baguio as it shows the consistent quality of trainings that the center provides as a Center of Excellence, as well as the commitment and teamwork of the people making up the institution,” RTC trainer Noriel Ramos said.

“More than the recognition, the award is also a challenge for the center to sustain the quality of its services, and aim for higher level excellence in its endeavors,” said PD David Bungallon of TESDA— Mt. Province. He served as RTC Baguio administrator for three years before he was appointed provincial director.

He added that the center should also aim for accreditation in Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) and East Asia Summit on TVET Quality Assurance Framework (EAS TVET QAF).

Ramos stated that the award boosted the center’s request for additional machines and equipment from the Central Office for its machining programs.

“The additional machines will significantly improve our programs, particularly in our plan to offer higher level programs in machining, as well as a 3-year Diploma Program in Mechanical Engineering Technology by next year,” Engr. Hector Laguardia, OIC-Administrator, said.

He added that the 30 machining and Computer Numeric Control machines are expected to be transferred to the center in January 2018.

The STAR Rating Awards was held during the 2nd National Quality TVET Forum at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Hotel in Quezon City on October 27, 2017. (Bernice Lee)