28 drug surrenderers to get skills training from TESDA

LOAKAN— The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Abra will provide skills training to at least 28 drug surrenderers as part of President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s campaign to holistically address the illegal drug problem.

TESDA ABRA Acting Provincial Director Nenita Corro said on March 11, 2020, that the drug surrenderers are among the beneficiaries of the TESDA program “Skills Training for Special Clients.”

“Special clients” is a collective term for special sectors being addressed by the TESDA that include the indigenous peoples (IPs) and cultural communities, calamity-affected communities, inmates and dependents, persons with disability (PWDs), family enterprises, rebel returnees, dependents of Killed-in-Action/Wounded-in-Action (KIA/WIA), displaced women and senior citizens.

Of the 28 drug surrenderers, 12 are from Bangued, and 16 are from San Juan, Abra.

“Skills development and livelihood projects would help in the drug surrenderers’ socio-economic reintegration into the society. They will also receive a national certificate (NC) once they complete the training and pass the assessment,” she said.

APD Corro added that drug surrenderers are among their priority beneficiaries. Once the appropriate clearance has been provided, the beneficiaries can start with the training.

Initially, the skills training to be provided are Driving NC II, Carpentry NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, and Masonry NC II.

She said the TESDA will mobilize TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs) to facilitate competency assessments and skills training of the beneficiaries. It will also provide tools and starter kits for program sustainability. (Pamela Mariz Geminiano/TESDA-CAR)