By Hilda Austria/PNA
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Some 900 Pangasinenses are the first batch of beneficiaries of the scholarship program for public utility vehicles (PUV) drivers and their family members under the ‘Tsuper Iskolar’ of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
In his speech at the launching on Thursday here, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the scholarship program is part of the stakeholder support mechanism component under the PUV Modernization Program.
Tugade said his department has allotted PHP350 million for the program to be transferred from DOTr to TESDA, which will be used for the skills training, skills assessment, and entrepreneurship training, including the development of training regulations and curricula for the transportation sector.
“This is complementary to the livelihood of jeepney drivers; an augmentation to their income. So, it is not limited to the drivers alone, but also to their family members (up to third degree of consanguinity or affinity). Later on, even the other family members can contribute to the family’s income,” he said.
He added this is part of the government’s aim to provide a comfortable life for every Filipino.
Aside from the free skills training, skills assessment, and entrepreneurship training by TESDA, Tugade said the scholars are also entitled to training support fund worth PHP350 per training day to cover food and transportation allowance within the training period of 35 days.
TESDA Director General Secretary Isidro Lapeña, in his speech, assured the beneficiaries of further assistance from his office after they finish the training.
“We will assist the scholars under this program so that they will be employed or find livelihood after their training,” he said.
In a media interview, Lapeña said the beneficiaries were chosen by the Office of the Transport Cooperatives from the list of qualified candidates from DOTr and transport associations and cooperatives; walk-in, online or barangay skills need survey applicants, or from list of qualified candidates from enrolment seminars or fairs.
He noted the program will also be launched in other provinces in Visayas and Mindanao later on.
Meanwhile, TESDA Pangasinan provincial director Cariza Dacuma said most of the scholars were enrolled in courses, such as driving of heavy equipment or heavy equipment operator, hairdressing, massage therapist, and agriculture.
“We are encouraging though for future scholars to enroll in construction since it will be in-demand for the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program,” Dacuma said in an interview.
She added they are finalizing the list of the scholars and after the approval of Tugade, the training will start immediately.
“They will be trained in schools near their place of residence, or TESDA will come to their community,” Dacuma said.
Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III thanked Tugade and Lapeña, as well as President Rodrigo Duterte, for the program.
“Do not neglect this wonderful gift. This is empowerment, a chance to provide for your family additional income,” Espino told the scholars.
