LOAKAN, Baguio City – A 23 year old trainer in Cookery of Baguio City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) is set to represent the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) after being nominated for this year’s search for outstanding graduates of technical education and skills development (TESD) programs.
“I would not be in my profession right now, if it weren’t for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). It only proved that TVET training as a career choice will help equip you with skills that can be utilized in both local and overseas employment,” said Joshua Lizardo, TESDA Idol nominee for 2019.
Dubbed as “Pretty Boy” by his students, Lizardo is a passionate and determined young man who hoped to fulfill his ambitions by building a career through skills excellence.
He secured national certificates in various qualifications namely: Commercial Cooking NC II, Bartending NC II, Food and Beverage Services NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Commercial Cooking NC III, Cookery NC II, Trainers Methodology Certificate I, and National TVET Trainer Certificate Level I.
In pursuit of greater professional growth, he went to finish a three-year degree course in Hospitality Management in one of the prestigious universities here.
He added that in today’s competitive environment, TESDA certification holds a great weight and prestige among employers.
“Thank you so much TESDA, for helping me when I was starting. The agency helped me to build myself as a person and to achieve the things that I have now,” he said in the vernacular.
Tapped Trainer
After securing several certifications, including one in trainers methodology, he landed a job at Baguio City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) as a tapped trainer in Cookery.
Lizardo recalled that teaching was never his passion, but with his mentors’ encouragement and immersion in the classroom-laboratory, he came to enjoy and love teaching.
“It was never really my passion to teach, however, I was very willing to share my knowledge and my expertise to give back what I have gained from my mentors,” he said.
“As a trainer, I always motivate my students to pursue their passion and at the same time to give their best in anything that they do,” he noted.
He added that with BCSAT support, he was able to conquer the provincial Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN ) Skills Competition in Cookery
“The ASEAN 2014 paved the way for me to showcase my exceptional skills and competence in cooking and I was awarded with Medallion of Excellence,” he said.
TESDA Idol
TESDA acting regional director Engr. Manuel B. Wong explained the TESDA Idol 2019 award, which is on 10th year, seeks to give recognition to graduates of TESD programs who have attained remarkable success in their chosen field or occupation and/or who have contributed to the economic improvement of their respective communities.
He said that the award has two categories, Self-Employed and Wage-Employed.
“Selection begins at the provincial level, and the winners at the regional level will then compete for the national award. At the national level, each category will have a National Winner, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up,” he said.
Wong said that qualified nominees are TESDA graduates who are Filipino citizens, at least 21 years of age, and with outstanding achievements in line with their trade within the last three years.
“TESDA Idols must also be nominated by any legitimate civic, social, religious, labor or industry organization whose membership affiliation is in line with his/her work or business,” he noted.
The two National Winners will receive Php25,000 each as cash prize. The two 1st Runners-up will each receive Php20,000 while the 2nd Runners-up will get Php15,000 each.
Special award winners for Batang TESDA! TESDA Best! and Batang Technopreneur will each take home Php25,000.
Meanwhile, each regional winner will receive Php5,000 in cash and all awardees will receive trophies and certificates of recognition. (PMTG)
