Tesda allots P30-M for quake-struck Abra folks

By Kaithreen Cruz

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has allocated P30 million worth of training scholarships in construction-related courses for residents in areas affected by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Abra on July 27, 2022.

    Training scholarship programs to be offered by Tesda include carpentry, masonry and plumbing.

    "These trainings are vital for the residents of earthquake-stricken areas. They will be able to build their own houses as well as use the skills they acquire to find jobs and earn a living," Tesda chief Danilo Cruz said over the weekend.

    Region 1 (Ilocos Region), Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) and the National Capital Region (NCR or Metro Manila) have started mobilizing trainers to help with repair and rehabilitation of damaged houses and conduct construction-related training in the affected areas.

    According to the agency, coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) is ongoing to provide allowances to trainees undergoing scholarship courses, throughDoLE's Tupad program.

    The Tesda field office in the Cordillera Administrative Region has donated P146,400 cash, groceries, and used clothes to survivors and deployed augmentation teams to assist in clearing operations in Abra and neighboring Ifugao province, which was also affected by the earthquake.

    Cruz assured that Tesda is ready to add more funding for implementation of the scholarship programs as part of the government's collective action to support the rehabilitation of the quake-hit areas and ensure the wellbeing of the affected residents.