Technical Education and Skills Development Authority XI

From Promo Merchandiser to Award-Winning TVI Head: The Story of Mary Jean Dumalag and Quicktrain Learning Center Inc.

Mary Jean Dumalag

April 4, 2023

Ms. Mary Jean Dumalag's journey from being a Promo Merchandiser to becoming an award-winning Technical Vocational Institution (TVI) head is truly inspiring. After years of working as a vegetable vendor and an on-call massage therapist, Ms. Dumalag decided to pursue training in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), which eventually led to her becoming a full-time trainer and office staff at Endonela – Tagum Branch. Through her hard work and dedication, Ms. Dumalag worked her way up to becoming the Operations Manager of Endonela Schools. In 2015, she decided to establish her own school, the Quicktrain Learning Center Inc., which has since produced hundreds of graduates in school-based and community-based training. Ms. Dumalag's outstanding contributions to the TVI industry have been recognized with her recent award as the Idol ng TESDA Provincial & Regional winner for the Self-Employed Category in 2021. Her commitment to education and community development is further evident in her decision to expand Quicktrain Learning Center Inc. by opening a branch in her ancestral property, where she plans to offer Tourism Programs, particularly in Bread and Pastry Production NC II & Cookery NC II. Ms. Dumalag's journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and resilience in achieving success. Her passion for education and community development has brought about positive change and has inspired others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities.

Breaking Gender Barriers: The Inspiring Story of Pam, The Welder

Pam Paredes

April 3, 2023

In theory and practice, the idea of spatial separation between home and work was related to the traditional sexual division of men and women, and of their role in the society going back to the idea of earliest feminist thinking that women are design to stay at home. It all started when women entered the work environment. Women who had a great and remarkable contributions to the society especially in a male-dominated work environment. Pamela Paredes, 29-year-old graduate of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) proven herself that women can do more and that woman are the epitome of change. Born and bred in the province of endless possibilities, Malita, Davao Occidental, Pam, as her family, friends and colleague called her, took up vocational course instead of a degree course due to inadequacy of financial resources. Thus, her parent’s wages cannot suffice their daily needs and support their education with her 5 siblings. As the youngest among the siblings, she is determined to make something out of herself and decided to provide for her family despite her uncertainty in life. Pam spent her first job in a small retail store and eventually become a supervisor. But her income cannot end meet with her expenses and payables. She needs to hasten up and look for a more stable and well-paid job. Working overseas is one of her option in feeling financially secure which opted her to enroll in a technical vocational course in TESDA which they heard in a radio advertisement the different programs and services being offered which is a great opportunity and avenue to work abroad. With her strong and decisive personality, Pam chose welding which challenges her since it is dominated and a more men-like-job and wants to prove that we are past the age of dividing work into men’s or women’s job. After finishing the course, they were required to undergo an On the Job Training (OJT) at Dusit Thani Residence, Davao City. The whole experienced become an avenue for her on becoming a more efficient and effective welder and learns precisely what the job entails for her. She shared, “Didto nako na kita na ako lang isa babae na ng OJT at that time ug didto nako na realized na kaya kaayu sa mga babae ang welding kay need ug focus ug dapat detail oriented ka which is nature sa mga babae”. Pam’s experienced during her stint as an OJT made her realized that she can excel in this field and serves a role model for other women to pursue this kind of career. She also envisioned becoming a trainer where she can be an instrument in imparting the knowledge she acquired. Pam was offered a job as an assistant in conducting Community-Based Training in far-flung barangays in Malita. She was encourage taking up Trainers Methodology (TM) Level I and later applied for National TVET Trainers Certificate (NTTC). With her dogged determination and firm tenacity, she is now the lead trainer of SMAW NC I and NC II at Don Juan Technical Academy of Davao Inc., one of the partner Technical Vocational Institute (TVI) in Davao Occidental. She attended series of seminars, trainings, capability building programs and serves as an expert in SMAW during the Provincial Skills Competition in the province.

Len-Len's Journey to Empowerment through Technical Vocational Education and Training

Gellen delos Santos

April 1, 2023

Len-len's journey began in Purok 6, Dujali, Braulio E Dujali, where she lived with her family. Despite growing up in a rural community, Len-len had a deep fascination with animals and a desire to learn more about them. However, due to her phobia towards cows, Len-len never imagined that she could pursue a career in animal husbandry. That all changed when Len-len enrolled in the Animal Production Ruminants program at TESDA Wangan National Agricultural School. The program was designed to provide students with the technical skills and knowledge needed to manage and care for livestock, including cows, goats, and sheep. At first, Len-len was hesitant to work with cows, but with the help of her instructors and classmates, she slowly overcame her fear and learned to appreciate these animals. Len-len's time at TESDA was not without its challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she often faced discrimination and stereotypes. But she refused to let these obstacles stand in her way and worked hard to prove herself. Her dedication and commitment paid off when she successfully completed the program and earned her certificate. After graduation, Len-len was determined to put her new skills and knowledge to use. She applied for a position as an officer in charge at a dairy farm in Bukidnon and was thrilled when she got the job. Her responsibilities included overseeing the day-to-day operations of the farm, ensuring the health and well-being of the animals, and managing a team of workers. Len-len's success at the dairy farm was a testament to her hard work and determination. She quickly established herself as a valuable member of the team and earned the respect of her colleagues and superiors. Len-len's experience also reinforced the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the workplace, regardless of gender. Looking to the future, Len-len hopes to share her knowledge and experience with others. She plans to pursue a teaching methodology that will enable her to educate and empower others, especially women, to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Len-len believes that education and training are essential tools for achieving success, and she is committed to helping others access these opportunities. Len-len's story is a powerful reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background or gender. With hard work, determination, and access to education and training, anyone can overcome their fears and pursue their passions. Len-len's commitment to empowering others is a testament to her character and a shining example for others to follow.

Bai Baby Ulo Owok - A Woman Leader Breaking Gender Stereotypes

Bai Baby Ulo Owok

April 1, 2023

In a world where women have been largely absent from positions of formal authority, Bai Baby Ulo Owok has broken the mold and emerged as a leader in her community. As a native Bagobo Tagabawa Tribe from Barangay Binaton Digos City Davao del Sur, Bai Baby has shown that women can be strong and visible leaders. Bai Baby is not only a tribe leader but also a loving wife and caring mother to her family. Despite the challenges she has faced as an IP woman leader, she has persevered and succeeded in implementing self-governance in her community. She has also taken on the role of Indigenous People’s Mandatory and served as Chairperson of Binaton Bagobo Tagabawa Farmers Livelihood Association, leading the organization to grow from zero assets to millions. In partnership with government agencies, Bai Baby and her fellow farmers have undergone training in organic agriculture production under the Coconut Farmers Scholarship Program of the Technical Education and Skills Authority. This training has equipped them with the knowledge and skills to produce healthy, organically-grown food for their families and community. Bai Baby's mindset about leadership is to be an empowered leader today and to lead for more leaders for the next generation. She believes that women can be great leaders and is a living proof that leadership is not only associated with masculinity. Bai Baby Ulo Owok is a woman symbolizing power and a leader making a big difference in her community.

My Holy Land Farming Experience!

John Paul Olandria

January 30, 2023

“TESDA PTC–Davao is the key to rev up my Israel Agro-studies”, quips John Paul Olandria, a 27-year-old hopeful from Mintal, Tugbok District, Davao City. His journey to secure a slot for the Agro-studies internship in Israel was challenging because he lacked the requirements to support his bid. However, with his persistence and his family’s encouragement, he prospered. In October 2022, he fulfilled one of his bucket lists as he sets his footprints on the Holy Land. Jepoy, as his family and friends called him, graduated from the University of Southeastern Philippines–College of Development Management (USEP-CDM) Campus in Mintal, Davao City. He graduated Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Agricultural Business Management, and passed the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists, which made him a licensed agriculturist. He confessed that even though he was in agriculture studies before, and had already tackled the principles of agriculture, it did not provide additional necessary skills while studying at the university. It prompted him to continue his studies. He enrolled in Organic Agriculture Production NC II at TESDA Provincial Training Center–Davao. He remarked that “the institution provides very effective skills on trades. It enhances your knowledge even further in your specialization, even if you are already in the industry.” He shared further that he took the qualification in OAP NC II, which enrich his understanding of the ideologies of the organic way of farming, and trained him a lot of inputs not using synthetic as opposed to the usual conventional farming where excessive use of these artificial chemicals is present. The ideas they teach about the principles of organic farming conform to the standards in the country, which is why every trainee who took the program from TESDA PTC–Davao institution becomes confident enough to be equipped with natural farming. While attending his OAP NC II training, he learned about the Agro-studies internship program in Israel offered by TESDA to young and aspiring Filipino agriculturists. He pursued his interest and secured the documents needed for his internship application. After his OAP NC II training in July 2022, he took the national assessment and secured the National Certificate Level II. Then, he accomplished his community-based training on Trainers Methodology Level I at Regional Training Center–KorPhil in Buhisan, Tibungco, Davao City. After his productive stints at TESDA, he continued his application for the Agro-studies internship grant in Israel. All his hardships paid off when his name was listed among the successful applicants. On October 21, 2022, he flew to Israel together with other young agriculturists. He shared, “Although the training is still ongoing, I can observe a big difference of improvement in terms of knowledge, and I am positive that it elevates my confidence–it equipped me with agriculture principles. I think there is a gap between the knowledge that is being taught in the Philippine Academes compared to the Israel Agro-studies. But in terms of hands-on skills, TESDA can cope with international practice.” He added that the most remarkable experience he had from the Agro-studies was the field trips in demo farms, where they could see the operations and production protocol of different farms and be able to understand the topics taught through actual demonstrations. Plus, the experience of working with different people coming from different nations and cultures. The Agro-studies run for eleven months and provide a unique internship training in agriculture, combining advanced studies and based on the ‘learning by doing’ method in various agricultural fields. After his internship, he plans to venture into the propagation production of herbs and ornamental plants, just like from the farm he worked with. Also, he sees himself in teaching and transferring the knowledge he gained to other people, especially the youth.

Turning Lemons into Lemonade

Dia Grace S. Sarcauga

March 7, 2019

There’s a saying that goes, “Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to.” Dia Grace S. Sarcauga, a graduate of TESDA XI Technical-Vocational Course, shares how she turned her negative experiences in her life into something positive and how her determination in life paid off. Humble Beginnings Dia Grace S. Sarcauga was born on March 12, 1995 at Malita, Davao Occidental. When she was 4 years old, her parents separated. Her mother, Virgilia S. Sarcauga, took the responsibility in raising her alone. Meanwhile, her father, Raul G. Sarcauga, took the responsibility in raising her older brother. Since her parents separated, her mother struggled to make ends meet. Her mother had to left her in the care of her grandmother in order for her to work in Davao City. “Didto siya nagtrabaho para naa siyay pambayad sa mga bayrunon sa skwelahan (She worked there so that she could have enough money to pay for my school fees),” she said. Adjusting in her newfound environment was hard for her. She had to adapt quickly and be mature a such a young age. “Murag gina search nako ang love sa family (I was searching what it feels like to have a loving family),” she added. Eventually, her aunt decided to accept the responsibility on financing her education from elementary to high school. Her stay with her aunt proved to be the first challenge in her life. Since her aunt owns a carinderia (food stall), she had to clean and to help her aunt run the carinderia before going to school. She had to immediately go home to do the household chores in her aunt’s house. “Mao to siya ang routine nako every day. Wala nako na enjoy akong pagkabata (That was my routine every day. I did not have a chance to grasp the joy of being just a child),” she said. Hard Times When she was about to finish high school, she was hesitant to go to college because of financial reasons. Her aunt stopped to finance her tuition and other miscellaneous fees in college. Because of this, she had to find a way for her to finance her college education. “Nidagan ko ug SK Kagawad. Pag SK Kagawad ka, automatic nga naa kay scholarship. So ako siyang gi-aplayan (I ran for SK Kagawad in order for me to continue to go to college. If you are an SK Kagawad, you have an automatic scholarship from the government),” she explained. However, SK Kagawad only has two terms of service. Dia can no longer avail the scholarship and her future of continuing her college journey was halted. “Nakita nalang nako akong self sa isa ka corner sa room, nagsulat ko gi address nako kay God. Nagsulat lang ko kay Lord nga di ko gusto dire nalang ko kutob (I saw myself in the corner of the room, writing a letter to God. I just wrote to God that I don’t want to my life to be like this for the rest of my life),” she said. Coming Opportunities Determined to make something out of herself, she grabbed the opportunity to enroll and study a vocational course. “I applied for a scholarship under the Local Government Unit because my cousin works there,” she added. Dia studied Computer System Servicing NC II. The course was 6 months in duration. After finishing the course, they were required to undergo an On the Job Training (OJT). Their administrator encouraged them to have their OJT in Davao City. “Gusto niya mag Davao mi kay daghan ug opportunities (Our administrator wanted us to be deployed in Davao City because of the vast opportunities waiting for us),” she said. Dia spent her OJT at the Regional Office of TESDA. After spending her OJT, the management decided to hire her because of her good performance. She officially started working at TESDA on November 4, 2013. Aspiring for More When Dia started working she had to juggle working for 2 offices. From Monday to Tuesday, she had to render her service to the Human Resource Unit of the Finance and Administrative Services Division (FASD). Meanwhile, from Wednesday to Friday, she had tor ender her service to the office of the Commission on Audit (COA). It was at this time that she decided to go to college and earn a Bachelor’s Degree. “Naay gipabuhat na report sa akoa. Kailangan ko mag backtrack ug 5 years para sa report. Tapos after 3 months, gipanagayo ang report. Unya naa man nay mali. So kailangan usabon. So, wala siya naapas sa deadline (I was tasked to make a report. I need to backtrack the papers 5 years prior to the present time. After 3 months, the admin needed the report. I did not know that there was an error in the report. So, I needed to correct the error and it required a lot of time. In short, I was not able to submit the report on time),” she said. That experienced made her determined to continue studying and reinvent herself. She decided to take up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Human Resource Management and Development at the Assumption College of Davao. Currently, she is due to graduate this April 2019. Asked whether if there was a time she experienced discrimination and almost gave up in life, she admitted that there were countless of times she taught she wouldn’t make it. “Naay times na gusto nalang ko mawala ug kalit. Kanang naningkamot raman ko. Ngano palisudan paman ko? Naay uban naga ingon nga unsa raman gud daw na ang vocational. Basin dili ra gihapon ko ug dawaton kay tungod vocational course lang akong nahuman (There were times that I just want to disappear and leave everything behind. I just want a better future for myself. Why is it so hard for me to reach my dreams? Other people are also skeptic against vocational graduates. They said that vocational graduates cannot land a good job because it is not a Bachelor’s Degree),” she said. Amidst the struggle, Dia is grateful for the life she had lived. “Gusto lang nako ingnon sa uban nga trust lang jud mo kay Lord. Pag trust lang jud mo sa Iyang plano kay dili mo Niya pasagdan. Paningkamot lang jud mo kay mag pay off rana sa future. Katong mga difficult experiences nimo kay mao to ang mag fuel sa imoha para maningkamot (I just want to say that just trust in the Lord. Trust His plan for you because he will not forsake you. Just continue to hustle because it will just pay off in the future. Those negative experiences that you have will fuel you to be better and to aspire more),” she said. Her story proves that despite the hurdles and roadblocks that come your way, just continue to have the faith and strength to continue living by God’s grace. Dia is an epitome of woman who embodies resiliency, perseverance and hustling hard. In this year’s Women’s History Month, let us acknowledge all women, who like Dia, hustled hard for their future despite the struggles and tribulations being encountered in life.