BAGUIO CITY – The Regional Training Center (RTC)-Baguio and the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) held a joint graduation ceremony on June 1, 2017 at the PFVR Gym for 276 graduates in their diploma and National Certificate (NC) programs, highlighting the theme, “Technical Education and Skills, the New Currency for the Global Economy.”
According to Engr. David Bungallon, administrator of both RTC-Baguio and BCSAT, both institutions will continue to deliver their mandate to provide quality technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs in line with the ASEAN integration, global alignment and recognition. He shared that the graduates must remain competitive or risk being left out by neighboring countries especially that ASEAN integration promotes the open and free market of skilled labor.
This was also emphasized by TESDA-CAR Regional Director Francisco Jucar, Jr. in his keynote address, noting that there is a need to integrate the provisions of international accords in the curriculum. International accords describe the outcomes of education and training and set global standards and qualifications. These include the Dublin Accord for technicians, Sydney Accord for technologists, and Washington Accord for engineers.
“The trend is getting global, not just globalization in terms of goods but also in employment, and therein lies the challenge and hope for CSITE,” he said.
House Bill 2141 or An Act Establishing the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE) sponsored by Baguio Congressman Mark Go, has recently passed the Committee level of the House of Representatives. Once passed into law, CSITE will become the premiere regional state institute on technical education in the country.
“We are working hard because we believe this is the best direction in order to serve the region, with better access to quality and relevant TVET,” added Bungallon, noting that CSITE will be able to provide very relevant and sustainable programs.
Accordingly, BCSAT will be offering a new diploma program in Hospitality Supervision and Administration this August, while RTC-Baguio has developed a Technical Diploma in Industrial Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and the Plant Engineering Maintenance Technology.
TESDA-Baguio/Benguet Provincial Director Angela Gabriel confirmed the graduation of the 35 candidates for the Diploma in Culinary Arts, 36 candidates for the Diploma in Restaurant Service, as well as 113 for the NC programs of BCSAT and 92 from RTC-Baguio. A baccalaureate mass was also held before the graduation ceremony.
By Bernice B. Lee
