CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro has reaffirmed her administration’s support for the Sugbo Kahanas program, saying it will continue but with improvements to ensure stronger employment outcomes for beneficiaries.
Speaking before 144 graduates during the Ceremonial Distribution of NC II Certificates, Starter Toolkits, and Training Allowances held at the Capitol Social Hall, Baricuatro dismissed speculations that the long-running technical-vocational training program would be scrapped.
“As I’ve always said during the campaign: why change something that works?” she told the audience, who responded with smiles and applause.
A New Direction: Prioritizing Skills Matching
While affirming its continuation, Gov. Baricuatro stressed that Sugbo Kahanas must evolve. Her administration aims to align training programs with actual labor market demands, ensuring that graduates are more likely to land jobs or start businesses.
“In continuing this program under my leadership, we will focus on skills matching—ensuring that people’s abilities are matched with the actual job opportunities,” she said. “When skills match real-world demand, job placement becomes easier, and businesses grow stronger.”
This new approach, she emphasized, is not about scrapping the existing model but refining it for impact.
“As your People’s Governor, I envision a direction marked by real job creation, strong industry partnerships, and meaningful opportunities for all,” she added.
Institutional Backing and TESDA Partnership
The Sugbo Kahanas program, institutionalized through a provincial ordinance, is implemented by the Cebu Provincial Government in close partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
For Season 4, the province allotted a record ₱200M—double the annual ₱100M of the past three years.
TESDA-7 Director Gamaliel Vicente Jr. praised the province’s strong investment in human capital, calling it a model for others.
Distribution of Tools, Certificates, and Allowances
The 144 graduates honored at the ceremony are part of 544 total finishers under the current season. Each received:
- National Certificate (NC II) from TESDA
- Training allowance ranging from ₱3,880 to ₱7,880
- Starter toolkits aligned with their skills track
Toolkits included:
- Portable electric sewing machines (for dressmaking)
- Welding machines (for shielded metal arc welding)
- Electric ovens and mixers (for bread and pastry production)
These resources are designed to help graduates either begin work or launch their own small enterprises.
20,000 Beneficiaries and Counting
Since its inception, the Sugbo Kahanas program has benefited over 20,000 Cebuanos across four seasons. For Season 4 alone, 8,291 individuals qualified, with many still undergoing training that spans up to 11 months depending on the course.
The program supports local and overseas jobs while creating livelihoods in underserved communities.
Stakeholders Show Support
The event was graced by key provincial and national officials:
- Vice Governor Glenn Soco
- Board Member Mike Villamor, chair of the committee on technical and vocational education
- Undersecretary Felicitas Bay of the Department of Migrant Workers
- Cebu Normal University President Daniel Ariaso Sr.
- DMW Region 7 Director Jhoaden “Jao” Lucero
BM Villamor stressed career-aligned training, as VG Soco lauded the governor’s push to expand the program.
Challenges Ahead: Better Job Integration
The Sugbo Kahanas program is popular, but skill-job mismatches remain—a challenge Gov. Baricuatro aims to solve.
According to a report by Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), many government-funded technical-vocational programs nationwide fail to produce long-term employment unless backed by strong industry partnerships. [Source: PIDS.gov.ph]
This reality has shaped the governor’s new focus on skills matching, industry alignment, and sustainable job integration.
A Governor’s Commitment to Empowerment
Baricuatro emphasized education, skills training, and livelihood as keys to lasting empowerment.
“We want to see you not just graduate but succeed. Whether it’s finding a job, starting a business, or going abroad—your skills are your ticket to a better life,” she said.
Conclusion
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro renews support for Sugbo Kahanas, focusing on job-ready training to turn skills into opportunities.
As thousands more Cebuanos gear up for graduation in the coming months, the Capitol’s message is clear: You will not just be trained—you will be prepared.
