In a concerted effort to bring livelihood and skills development programs closer to the grassroots, the Regional Training Center – Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center (RTC-KPVTC) Davao conducted a profiling activity for Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) scholars on July 31 to August 1, 2025, in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
The activity aimed to identify qualified participants for five TESDA-accredited training batches: two each for Bread and Pastry Production (BPP) NC II and Cookery NC II, and one batch for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I. The profiling was held at two locations: the TESDA Davao Oriental Provincial Office at the Government Center in Brgy. Dahican for BPP and Cookery, and Happy Homes, Sitio Magay, Brgy. Marundan for SMAW NC I.
Out of the targeted 125 scholars, a total of 96 individuals were successfully profiled—50 for BPP, 21 for Cookery, and 25 for SMAW. Notably, the SMAW NC I batch includes mostly former rebels (FRs), underscoring the government’s continued commitment to peacebuilding and reintegration through livelihood training. The participants were identified in coordination with the Office of Congressman Cheeno Miguel D. Almario, represented by Atty. Shirley “Shang” Romblon and her staff.
Simultaneous with the profiling activity was a site inspection for the upcoming Mobile Training Program (MTP) conducted by the TESDA Davao City District Office. The inspection was led by District Director Novielita A. Dispo, represented by Mr. Mark Ceynas, and covered the training venues of the respective qualifications. These include: Happy Homes, Brgy. Marundan for SMAW NC I; Provincial Training Center (PTC) Davao Oriental in Brgy. Dahican for BPP NC II; and Davao Oriental Polytechnic Institute (DOPI) Annex in Lower Bliss, Brgy. Sainz for Cookery NC II.
The profiling team from RTC-KPVTC Davao consisted of 14 personnel from the Scholarship Division, Registrar Unit, Trainers, support staff, and logistics. Members of the team included Joie Vincent R. Dagohoy, Kimberly R. Almario, and Mary Grace I. Sijuela from the Scholarship Division; Irish S. Robledo, Ianna Marie D. Pioquinto, and Rudelyn I. Babaylan from the Registrar; trainers Joseph I. Junio, Marilou F. Coloma, Mikko D. Rosell, Millicent T. Concepcion, and Juvilyn T. Mahilum; support staff Alanah Tamarah N. Millan and Dina C. Nuevo; and assigned driver Jemboy G. Amodia. The activity was also conducted in close coordination with TESDA Davao Oriental Provincial Director Richard Amparo, and reflects TESDA’s steadfast mission to reach priority sectors and geographically disadvantaged areas with skills training opportunities that empower, uplift, and transform lives.
