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242 GenSan drivers, dependents get scholarship grants

By Richelyn Gubalani

December 11, 2020, 3:12 pm

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Some 242 drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) here and their dependents are set to undergo livelihood and skills training under the national government’s flagship "Tsuper Iskolar" program.

Remegias Timonio, director of the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) for Sarangani and this city, said Friday they are currently finalizing the rollout of the training programs in partnership with technical-vocational schools in the city.

He said the beneficiaries comprise drivers and their family members who qualified for the implementation of the scholarship program in the area this year.

The official said they allotted around PHP5 million for the scholarship benefits and allowances of the beneficiaries, who were selected in coordination with the city government, Land Transportation Office, Office of the Transportation Cooperative and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

“The selected scholars are mostly dependents of drivers who were affected by the PUV modernization program,” he told reporters.

Timonio said the beneficiaries have chosen to enroll in seven skills training courses under National Certificate or NC II level offered by 12 accredited schools in the city.

He said these are the shielded metal arc welding, electric installation maintenance, dressmaking, bookkeeping, caregiving, computer systems servicing and driving.

Aside from the free skills training, the beneficiaries will later undergo skills assessment and entrepreneurship sessions, he said.

As part of the program, he said they will receive a daily allowance of PHP350 pesos for a maximum of 35 days to cover for the transportation, Internet connection and other related expenses.

Timonio said they will also provide them with personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“We opted for the blended learning mode for them because of Covid-19 so they will have online and actual classes. That’s why we must provide them with internet and PPE,” he said.

The Tsuper Iskolar program was launched last year by TESDA and the Department of Transportation to assist public transportation workers affected by the PUV modernization program.

Through the initiative, qualified workers and their dependents may opt to undergo skills training that could open up new livelihood opportunities for them. (PNA

 

 

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