On his third month as the new TESDA Director General, Secretary Guiling A. Mamondiong finally met the TVET partners in the Ilocos-Pangasinan Region on October 7, 2016 at the Hotel Ariana, Bauang, La Union.  More than 200 individuals representing the Regional/Provincial TESDCs, various TVIs, Assessment Centers, partners from the industry and the National Line Agencies and the local media attended the dialogue and press conference hosted by TESDA Region I.

In his talk, Secretary Mamondiong announced the 30,000 scholarship slots alloted for Region I.  The provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union will get 6,000 slots each while Pangasinan will receive 12,000 slots.  “The scholarship grants can now be availed until the 2nd Quarter of 2017,” Secretary Mamondiong said.

The Secretary also articulated important programs that must be given emphasis during his term as TESDA Chief.  He stressed that Barangay folks must be given access to training opportunities through the Online Application or as walk-in applicants in the TESDA Offices.  He also reminded the schools to upgrade equipment and facilities and capacitate their trainers.  He pointed out that the National Technical Audit will surely determine the rightful TVI beneficiaries of the scholarship grants of TESDA  He urged them to register programs that are job generators, promote agri-tourism in Region I.  He further espoused the Special Skills Training for Family Enterprises, taking off from the Maranao entrepreneurial experience. He advocated Federalism.
The press conference followed after his speech.  Questions from the local media dwelt more on the Secretary’s scholarship pronouncement which he wittingly answered.  .

The participants have expressed their hopes of a better working relationship with the new leadership of TESDA.