By PNA
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) allocated around PHP150 million for the development of a “world-class” skills training center in Alabel town, Sarangani Province.
Rafael Abrogar II, TESDA-12 regional director, said in a statement Tuesday that the preparatory works are underway for the construction of the regional training center in a five-hectare lot near the town center of Alabel.
He said the construction of the facility, which is targeted to start early next year, is backed by Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, Sarangani Rep. Rogelio Pacquiao and the local governments of Alabel and Sarangani.
“It will be a modern and world-class training center with complete facilities and equipment for a range of skills,” he said.
Citing its development plan, Abrogar said it will have an administration building, assessment area, training hall and dormitory.
He said the dormitory will host scholars and recipients from parts of Region 12 or Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) of the agency’s free skills training programs.
Richard Amparo, TESDA provincial director for Sarangani and this city, said the regional training center was mainly designed to support the continuing expansions in the construction sector.
He said it will address the demand for skilled workers of projects under President Rodrigo Duterte’s flagship “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.
“It will focus on skills needed in infrastructure projects like driving and operating heavy equipment,” he said.
Abrogar said the regional training center will also complement the operations of the mobile training laboratories currently deployed in parts of the region.
The agency assigned earlier this month a PHP4 million mobile training laboratory for Sarangani and this city.
He said their personnel are currently preparing for the rollout of various free skills trainings in the municipalities and barangays through the mobile facility.
The available skills trainings are for small engine repair, appliance repair, electrical installation, plumbing, bread and pastry, and cookery, he said.
Abrogar added that they allotted an initial PHP1 million for the operation of the mobile training center.
