By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Coca-Cola Philippines held a mass graduation of 500 beneficiaries of the upgraded Sari-Sari Store Training and Access Resources (STAR) Program called the iSTAR Program.
The graduates are from the March 2022-founded TESDA Women’s Center for Excellence for the iSTAR Program.
TESDA Director General Danilo Cruz congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to help in driving economic growth and job generation.
“Your micro-retail business is not only a source of income for you but also a vulnerable service to your community as you provide access to goods and services that contribute to the betterment of the quality of life,” he said.
“Keep in mind that entrepreneurship is a journey, and there will always be new challenges to face,” he added.
“But as a successful graduate and entrepreneur, you have the skills, knowledge, and drive to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. Keep pushing forward and continue to make a positive impact in your community,” Cruz continued.
TESDA and Coca-Cola Philippines have trained Filipino women entrepreneurs since 2011.
The STAR, the predecessor of the iSTAR Program, has helped over 250,000 micro-retailers in 81 provinces from 2011 to 2020.
TESDA and Coca-Cola Philippines signed a MOA in December 2019 to transform the micro-retailer entrepreneurship training programme into the iSTAR Program, a blended digital learning platform.
To help pandemic-stricken businesses, TESDA and Coca-Cola Philippines developed online, self-paced learning, and business coaching sessions.
The TESDA Online Program now includes the iSTAR Program.
Modules include Safe Stores Education, Building Business Mindset, Planning the Business, Managing Business Operations, Ensuring Business Sustainability and Success, and Access to Business Coaching, Resources, and Peer Mentoring. -ag
