LUNA, Apayao – Governor Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, Gov. Leah as she is popularly known, lauded 26 new graduates of Apayao Training Center (ATC) for their perseverance in learning new skills amidst the limitations posed by the COVID-19 during their graduation ceremony held at Apayao State College Luna-Campus on December 10.
In line with the plans and programs of the provincial government for self-sufficiency especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Leah challenged the graduates not to be just contented in having their certificates of competency but rather to apply what they have learned and start their own businesses.
“Don’t underrate the new learning you have just acquired. These skills are what we need in this time of crisis. Use them as these could open better opportunities for you,” she stressed.
The governor likewise intimated that part of the provincial government’s long-term plans is the upgrading of the ATC and its facilities to make it an established center capable of providing a wide array of quality technical education in response to the growing number of trainees from the different municipalities of the province, as well as nearby Cagayan.
The graduating batch of trainees included 10 on Trainers Methodology, eight (8) on Bread Making and another eight (8) on Pastry Making. As beneficiaries of the Training for Work Scholarship Program and Special Training for Employment Program, the graduates are entitled to receive allowances. Apayao Training Center Administrator-designate Vincent Talattag expressed his gratitude to Congressman Elias C. Bulut, Jr. and the Governor for fully supporting the programs of the ATC, one of the local enterprises of the provincial government of Apayao.
He added that there are still about 130 trainees currently enrolled in ATC’s different programs some of whom are to graduate by December 22. Meanwhile, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Director Roger Dancel commended Governor Leah for consistently initiating budget allocations to TESDA programs dating back when she was still the province’s representative in Congress. By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
