The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Central Visayas (TESDA-7) has facilitated the certification of at least 14,518 individuals for their technical and vocational skills since 2022, an official reported on Tuesday.

Floro Ringco, TESDA-7 assistant regional director and Cebu provincial director, said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum that since the start of the Marcos administration up to Dec. 15, 2024, the agency has approved 40,756 scholarship slots.

In the same period, the agency recorded a total of 38,111 individuals who have enrolled in different technical vocational education and training (TVET).

Ringco also reported a total of 1,195 programs offered in 300 TVET providers across the Central Visayas region, broken down as follows: Cebu (760); Bohol (198); Negros Oriental (196); and Siquijor (41).

TESDA-7 has 566 assessors spread through 133 assessment centers providing for National Certifications 1, II, III, and IV.

“We thank our eight industry boards, local government units, and private organizations that are helping TESDA-7 in the technical vocation education and training and the conduct of competency assessments,” Ringco said.

Meanwhile, he cited the scholarship program extended by the provincial government to Cebuanos, uploading PHP100 million for each of the three seasons, and PHP200 million for next year’s fourth season. (PNA)