This town inaugurated its first Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) school at San Manuel Homes in Barangay Lagalag on Monday.

A total of 21 students make up the pilot batch of the first offered course in Welding NC1 (National Certificate 1).

Charie Pagcaliwangan, school officer-in-charge and administrator, said the students must complete 34 days of training to earn their NC1.

“We will also offer massage and therapy courses as well as electrical installation courses in the coming days,” Pagcaliwangan said.

She was pleased with the interest from young Tiaong residents, including one female, in the welding course and assured them they could progress to NC2 when the school is ready.

Pagcaliwangan said each student will receive a daily allowance of PHP150, to be given at the end of the course.

Tiaong Mayor Vincent Arjay Mea will also provide a graduation cash gift.

“I encourage all of you to finish this course because it will equip you with the skills widely in demand abroad,” the mayor told the students during the short program after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

He also urged out-of-school youth to seize the opportunities that TESDA offers, instead of just staying at home.

The TESDA school is an abandoned building that was renovated and funded by the local government.

Tiaong will likewise cover the instructor’s honorarium and the administrator’s salary since TESDA has yet to release its funding, Mea said. (PNA)