By Matthew Go
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in MIMAROPA is promoting its scholarship programs to expand access to skills training in the region, a regional official said Tuesday.
Acting Assistant Regional Director Ben-hur Baniqued said TESDA offers multiple scholarship initiatives, including the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA), Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), the Universal Access to Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) under Republic Act 10931, and the Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program (TTSP) under Republic Act 11230.
Other programs include the Rice Extension Services Program (RESP) and the Coconut Farmers Scholarship Program (CFSP), implemented in partnership with schools, local governments, and private industries.
TESDA also provides an online learning platform, allowing participants to access courses remotely through its website.
As of December, TESDA MIMAROPA reported 29,000 available scholarship slots, with a utilization rate of 91%. More than 23,000 participants have completed training programs, according to the agency.