The training-for-work scholarship program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is gaining headway in the first district of Negros Oriental as more than 63 percent of the scholars have landed jobs here and abroad.

Of the total 550 scholars for 2012 with a P5 million funding, 150 have graduated, and more than 60 are either self-employed, working abroad or hired by local industries, Tesda regional director Rosanna Urdaneta said.

She said 63 percent is the highest percentage so far for the skills trainees who are gainfully employed as welders in shipyards or in mining firms. The previous success record was at 55 percent, Urdaneta said.

She said the performance gauge is when their trainees find jobs in the country or abroad, so that money spent for scholarship is equated to something like employment.

The remaining TESDA scholars are enrolled at the Cebu Science of Welding and Skills Inc. based in Liloan, with a mobile training center in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong (Neg. Or., 1st District) said most of the scholars are victims of the earthquake that hit the province last February 6. She added the first congressional district also allots funds for scholarships in regular schools aside from TESDA.

Meanwhile, seven of the scholars who graduated from the mobile training and bound for abroad were presented to Limkaichong yesterday.

Among them were Ramon Opsimar of Canlaon City, who is bound for Australia as welder, and Emerson Martinez, also a welder bound for Japan. Both thanked the government for providing them with the skills to be able to find jobs and eventually helped their respective families.*JG

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