Tesda, foundation to rebuild auto mechanics’ school in Tacloban City

Tesda Director General Joel Villanueva. Photo from tesda.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines–The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) auto mechanic training center in Leyte that was devastated by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” last year is getting a new lease on life.

In a memorandum of agreement signed Friday by Tesda Director General Joel Villanueva and World Vision Development Foundation Inc. executive director Josaias de la Cruz, the training center in Barangay (village) Abucay in Tacloban City will be rehabilitated to the tune of P15.187 million to be put up by World Vision.

Both parties also agreed to continue other initiatives for technical-vocational education and training (TVET), including opening up job opportunities for the trainees.

Friday’s memorandum of agreement was part of a previous 3-year deal between Tesda and World Vision to boost the training of aspiring car mechanics.

“Training centers are hubs of learning. It is where trainees are given full exposure and hands-on experience using appropriate facilities and the latest technology,” Villanueva said.

Fresh hope

He said that “rebuilding the center (in Tacloban City) will bring fresh hope to the trainees that their education can continue and they can move on after the tragedy.”

The money World Vision will infuse into the restoration of the auto mechanic training center will be used to repair all the damaged buildings, including the workshop, cafeteria, dormitory and covered court. The sum will also be used to acquire new training equipment and facilities.

In the previous agreement between Tesda and World Vision to boost the TVET in automotive repair, Tesda was to handle the skills training for trainees that the foundation would select.

World Vision is a Christian relief development and advocacy organization working with poor children and their families through capacity-building and livelihood programs.