TESDA launches training program for inmates and their families

TESDA launches training program for inmates and their families (Photo: TESDA/Facebook)

MANILA—The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Wednesday launched a project that would provide free skills training for inmates and their families at the Makati City Jail.

The program, dubbed as the “Integration Through Skills Development Project for Inmates and Families”, will provide trainings for inmates in city jails nationwide.

TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong said the agency will also provide free skills and trainors training for the staff members of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

He explained the agency have included the families of inmates in the skills training program so they could earn a living.

A total of 140 inmates at the Makati City Jail enlisted for the TESDA skills program while 20 others have received the National Certificates (NC II) after they passed the required assessment based on chosen skills.

Courses offered by TESDA were Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Barista NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II and Heo-Forklift Operation for male inmates.

For female inmates, courses offered were Cookery NC II, Beauty Care NC II, Hilot NC II and Hairdressing NC II.

Aside from Mamondiong, others who attended the program launch were TESD Operation Deputy Director General Alvin Feliciano, BJMP Chief, J/Director Serafin Barretto Jr., Makati City Jail Warden, Supt. Esmeralda Azucena and other officials from both agencies.

It maybe recalled that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between TESDA and BJMP were signed by Mamondiong and Barretto at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City last December 6, 2016.

Mamondiong has instructed all provincial and regional directors of TESDA nationwide to coordinate with the jails and inform the inmates about the program.

“In line with TESDA’s Two-Pronged Strategy on Poverty Reduction, the project aims to provide interventions through skills development by providing access to training to inmates for self or wage-employment to uplift their economic status and facilitate reintegration in their respective communities,” the MOA states.