The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has allocated an initial PHP2 million in scholarship grants for the newly opened Provincial Training Center in Malapatan town, Sarangani province.

Rafael Abrogar II, TESDA 12 (Soccsksargen) director, said Thursday the funding was committed by their central office to facilitate the immediate operation of the training facility.

Abrogar said the grant will be used for the rollout of the agency’s free skills training scholarship programs in the area.

Among the initial courses that will be offered at the training center are cookery, shielded metal arc welding, automotive, and driving.

“The training center will start its operations soon and the allocation of the scholarship slots will not be selective but it will be opened to everyone,” he said in a statement.

The training center, which was built in partnership with the municipal government, was formally unveiled last September 27. It has received its program certificate on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) registration issued by TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro Lapeña.

Aboragar said the facility would prioritize residents of Sarangani but those from other areas may also avail of its free training programs.

To further enhance its operations, he said the provincial government of Sarangani committed to construct a dormitory at the training center compound that will house trainees coming from remote areas.

The Provincial Training Center in Malapatan was the first to open in the region this year.

TESDA-12 is pushing for the opening of three more facilities in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato before the end of the year. (PNA)