Technical Vocational Education (TVE) at its best at SVPSPC!

Raissa Dana M. Quizon

In 2015, UNESCO defined TVET as “Technical and vocational education and training’ (TVET) is understood as comprising education, training and skills development relating to a wide range of occupational fields, production, services and livelihoods.” In this time of pandemic, one can say that technical vocational courses are said to be in demand. From the repair of a computer hardware, sewing of bed sheets and pillows and cooking a new recipe at home for the family.

In our school, which is the San Vicente Pilot School for Philippine Craftsmen (SVPSPC) which is under Department of Education, Division of Pampanga, we see to it that our students learn the necessary training skills they needed. Before the COVID 19 pandemic, our Grade 12 students are being assigned in different working stations for their practicum in the hotels, restaurants, furniture companies, and other establishments so that they can practice the knowledge and learning they had from school.

SVPSPC is a champion school. Our school bested some contests last year wherein students joined various contests to showcase their talents. SVPSPC championed other schools in Cluster 4, DepEd Division of Pampanga in the Festival of Talents held in November 6, 2019. The school bagged 1st place in the Dress making category (Contestants Angelica Soriano and Erika Mae Figuracion, with their coach Maam Corazon Sibug). The dress making team also placed first in the regional contest and qualified in the National Festival of Talents held in Ilagan, Isabela in March 2020. SVPSPC was also first place in the Food processing category of Cluster 4 (Contestants: Jingjing Yumul, Andrea Irinco and Princess Cyrile David, with their Coach: Maam Adelyn Lising). The school also bagged the 1st place of Cluster 4 in the Furniture & Cabinet making contest, (contestants were John Telles & John Llorvie Rivera with teacher coach Mr. Melchor Nicdao). All of the three categories were Regional qualifiers, wherein they are representing the DepEd Division of Pampanga.

One SV student who is Allen Sicat was very good in drawing and cartooning, he bagged 1st place in the Cluster IV Secondary School Press Conference 2019, DepEd Division of Pampanga in the Kartung Pang Editoryal in Filipino, with teacher coach Maam Michelle Villegas. He also won 5th place in the On the Spot Skills Exhibition on Population Development- Poster making Contest Division Level with teacher coach Maam Jovi Gamboa.

In August 2020, another student from SVPSPC in the person of John Marco Lacanlale bagged the 5th place among 73 contestants in the Quarantine Gulayan Mo, Show Mo Contest organized by the City Agriculture & Veterinary Office of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. John Marco’s talent in agriculture was really tested. During the quarantine, wherein all are at home, John Marco devoted his time in planting vegetable crops for him to do something more reproductive. Thus, he joined the contest with the support of SVPSPC teaching and non -teaching staff. John Marco’s teacher coach was Mr. Jomarie Diosanta.

SVPSPC existed for more than 44 years now, and we had produced many students who are now chef, cook, welders, computer programmers, computer technicians, carpenters, furniture makers and a lot more.

It is a reward and honor for a teacher when he/she has witnessed the success of every student. There will be no great students if there are no great teachers. We should take note also of the sacrifices and hardwork done by the head teachers in our school-- Maam Susan Villacastin (Head, TVE Boys) Maam Imelda Yambing (Head, TVE Girls) and also the leadership and guidance of the principal Sir Naszer C. Yco.

Teaching the students in this new normal is very challenging but with the hand and hand cooperation of the students and teachers we can overcome this and the learnings and knowledge can still be impart to our learners.

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The author is Teacher II at San Vicente Pilot School for Philippine Craftsmen, Bulaon Resettlement Site, Bulaon, City of San Fernando Pampanga.