Despite the lowering of Taal Volcano’s status to Level 2 (decreased unrest) since February 14, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) training for Taal evacuees continues despite some of its beneficiaries already returning to their homes.

“We continue to provide them with training. We have been providing them assistance since January 15,” TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) over the weekend.

Those who are from within Taal’s 14-kilometer danger zone who were allowed to return home since the lowering of Taal Volcano’s status, Lapeña said, are being provided with project-based skills training since February 17.

The project-based skills training, he said, are being done in the communities or relocation sites.

Training includes rag or doormat-making, hollow block-making using ash, as well as construction painting, carpentry, masonry, scaffold erection, and electrical installation and maintenance.

“We also plan to provide other skills training together with the Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and Enterprise Development Office. Priority beneficiaries (of the additional training) would be residents of Taal Volcano Island,” he said.

Lapeña said TESDA Batangas targets 225 beneficiaries for the project-based skills training and other short-term program.

Meanwhile, TESDA has so far provided relief to 3,374 beneficiaries since January.

“TESDA trainees have mass produced face masks and pastries. Since January 22, we have provided short-term training programs such as bread making (ensaymada, donut, banana muffins); powder detergent making; dishwashing liquid making; plastic bottles repurposing; siomai making; rag/doormat making; fish deboning; sardines making; solar power light operation and maintenance; fruit juice making; halayang camote and pastillas making,” he said.

From Jan. 15 to Feb. 5, TESDA has provided relief goods to evacuees in Batangas City, Mataas na Kahoy, San Luis, Bauan, San Pascual, Nasugbu, Calaca, Sto. Tomas, San Jose, Taysan, San Juan, Tanauan, Ibaan, Mabini and Agoncillo, according to Lapeña.

TESDA Provincial Training Center in Rosario Cavite also helped in installing solar powered street lights in an evacuation area called “Tent City” in Balayan, Batangas, he added. (PNA)