𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐎 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒-𝐓𝐎-𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐘𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇
The Cebu Provincial Government is set to strengthen its workforce development initiatives by supporting the Municipality of Argao’s employment-focused skills training program, reinforcing the Capitol’s push to equip more Cebuanos with industry-ready skills and direct pathways to jobs.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed her support for Argao, led by Mayor Allan Sesaldo and Vice Mayor Orvi Ortega, as it rolls out a skills training program for young people who may not be able to pursue a college education.
The program, called the Argao Skills-to-Employment Partnership (A-STEP), is an integrated workforce development initiative that combines TESDA-accredited technical-vocational training, language proficiency classes, and cultural orientation seminars to prepare participants for employment opportunities both in the Philippines and abroad through its industry partnerships.
“Pwedi gyud baya ni himoong pilot program,” Governor Baricuatro said during a meeting at the Capitol on July 10. She was joined by Provincial Administrator Ace Durano and Provincial School Board focal person Christopher Baricuatro.
Mayor Sesaldo said the program’s success will be measured not only by the number of graduates but by the number of participants who secure sustainable employment in the shortest possible time.
“Our goal is to ensure that every graduate has a clear pathway from training to employment,” Mayor Sesaldo said. “Our target is from 60 to 90 days after they complete the program, maka-trabaho na,” he said, adding that they already have partners in Japan, China, and Taiwan that need workers.
The provincial government and the Municipality of Argao are expected to sign an agreement to formalize the Capitol’s financial and institutional support for the program. The partnership is also expected to strengthen the municipality’s bid for assistance from national agencies such as TESDA and government agencies that provide support to overseas Filipino workers.
Gov. Baricuatro lauded the initiative, saying it complements the Capitol’s Sugbo Kahanas 2.0 program, which focuses not only on providing skills training but also on ensuring that graduates are matched with employment opportunities both locally and overseas.
Joining them in the meeting are representatives from Argao’s partner groups, including Don Bosco, Can-Care Training Center, and Sices Institute of Healthcare and Vocational Studies. / 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑭𝑬, 𝒀𝑱𝑩
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