A total of 27,358 individuals graduated from technical-vocational educational and training (TVET) courses offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the Bicol region under the Marcos administration.

During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas at Iniego Hotel here, Mariglo Sese, TESDA-Bicol regional director, said even after graduation, they continue to monitor and provide them employment opportunities.

“Together with DOLE, at every job fair, we get the data of the TESDA graduates and we connect with them, and we provide at least a day on some of the tips to prepare the resume and how to conduct themselves during the interview, so that our way to help them,” she said.

Sese said that based on their survey on the employability of TVET graduates in Bicol, 83.98 percent of them are employed.

“There are many jobs that need skills that are in demand, so with a national certificate (NC) from TESDA, graduates have bigger opportunities,” she said.

She added TESDA programs are open and free for all who want and are qualified to avail.

Sese said in Bicol, there are seven TESDA schools, eight training centers, 128 private technical vocational institutions, 21 higher education institutions, 33 farm schools, and 71 mobile training programs.

There are also 3,157 TVET trainers, 289 training providers, 1,487 registered TVET programs, 441 accredited assessment centers, and 572 accredited assessors.

“For those interested, just coordinate with any TESDA office in the region. We hope that all available slots will be utilized,” Sese said. (PNA)