45 PDLs in Apayao get free skills training from TESDA

LUNA, Apayao-- At least 45 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) were trained through skills trainings by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Of the 45 PDLs who completed the training, 23 finished the training in Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) and 22 in Bread and Pastry Production while inside the jail facility.

“The training primarily aims to make the PDLs more competitive, restore self-confidence and make them productive once they begin a new chapter of their lives outside the jail facility,” said Engr. Victor Brioso, TESDA –Apayao Provincial Director.

TESDA offers programs and services to special clients such as persons deprived of liberty, rebel returnees, drug surrenderers, persons with disabilities, overseas Filipino workers, senior citizens, women, OSYs, and other marginalized sectors.

“Rest assured that there will be more trainings to be provided to our PDLs. We will equip you with skills needed when you get out of the four corners of the jail facility,” Brioso said. “This is in support to the development agenda of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. This is what the President wanted us to do, to provide free skills training to everybody.”

Meanwhile, during the graduation rites of the PDLs, OIC District Jail Warden, Fred Payap-a urged the graduates to take advantage of the programs and services that the government is providing.

“Let the government help you in developing your skills, talents and gifts through the government’s education and training programs. Embrace this rehabilitation process and you will be empowered and ready to face the challenges outside the facility,” he said.

One of the inmates, Lucky (not his real name) relayed that a cellmate was able to receive his diploma after graduating from elementary and high school through the modules under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Lucky said aside from Bread and Pastry Production and Electrical Installation and Maintenance training that TESDA provided this year, they have received other trainings that enhanced their skills.

“Three years ago, TESDA gave us the opportunity to learn how to make baskets, frames and other souvenir items out of rattan. We were also trained as producers of tokens and souvenir items which were given and distributed to visitors and dignitaries

during the 2019 CARAA. We were also trained in hollowblock making in March 2018,” he said.

He relayed that at present they are still being tapped by some private companies to supply the said prodkung ucts because of the good quality of their outputs.

“Without TESDA and other partner-agencies of BJMP, we aren’t able to achieve and reach what we are today,” Lucky said.