STEP scholars given toolkits for livelihood

LIFELINE RATE. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Kalinga avail of the government's electric consumption subsidy in this undated photo. In Baguio and Benguet, the Department of Social Welfare and Development regional office said 7,826 4Ps beneficiaries stand to benefit from the subsidy program. (Photo courtesy of DSWD)

By Kayna Casey Shalou Ubongen  and Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay 

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Fifteen Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) scholars recently received toolkits here in Barangay Alab.
    This was realized through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Mountain Province Provincial Office and the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education in collaboration with the Bontoc local government.
    Each tool kit contained a shovel, basin, spring scale, and 16-liter knapsack sprayer. 
    The turnover was led by TESDA provincial director engineer Glenn Murphy, Center administrator Proserphina Pacyado and Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr.
    Present were Martin Pasong of TESDA- Mountain Province including Alab barangay officials of Alab Proper Alex Baclangen, and John Bellang, Jr.
    Tudlong thanked the TESDA and partner stakeholders for providing recipients with tools and equipment for them to use to put into practice what they have learned and start earning. 

He urged STEP scholars to use the toolkits wisely and continue the business they started.

“I am very happy to see all of you receiving your toolkits. I hope that you will use these to uplift your lives. Now, you can start your livelihood," the mayor added. 

The STEP is one of TESDA's scholarship programs that aim to provide free equality technical vocational education and training to deserving beneficiaries.