Construction will go full swing by next month for the PHP150-million regional skills training center of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Alabel town, Sarangani province.
Rafael Abrogar II, TESDA-12 director, said Tuesday that preparatory works have already started in line with the development of the project, which is dubbed the Soccsksargen Manpower Development Center.
Abrogar said the Department of Public Works and Highways has been tapped to construct the facility in a 4.5-hectare property donated by the municipal government of Alabel in Purok Millango, Barangay Spring.
“It is due for completion by September 2020,” Abrogar said in a statement.
TESDA Director General Secretary Isidro Lapeña personally led over the weekend the formal groundbreaking ceremony for the regional training center, the first in Soccsksargen.
Lapeña was joined by Alabel Mayor Vic Paul Salarda, Sarangani Representative Rogelio Pacquiao, other local officials and a representative from the Office of Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao.
During the ceremony, Abrogar said Rep. Pacquiao committed to provide the necessary support for the project to make sure that it will be completed as scheduled.
He said the Sarangani solon announced an allocation of around PHP20 million for the construction and concreting next year of a road leading to the training center.
Abrogar said the regional training center was designed to support the continuing expansions in the construction sector in Sarangani and neighboring areas.
He said the center aims to address the demand for skilled workers of projects under President Rodrigo Duterte’s flagship “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.
“It will feature all TESDA programs, especially the training scholarship, and the selection of the beneficiaries will not be selected. It will be open to all,” he said, citing a commitment from Secretary Lapeña.
Based on its development plan, the regional training center will have an administration building, assessment area, training hall, and dormitory.
The dormitory will host scholars and recipients of the agency’s free skills training programs in Soccsksargen. (PNA)
