NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 7 (PIA) — Fifty inmates in Negros Oriental benefited the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) launched by both Technical Education and Skills Authority (TESDA) and Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center (NODRC).

The integration through skills development program for inmates and families was recently launched at NODRC, Dumaguete City.

 According to TESDA Information Officer Georgette Malagar, the program is in collaboration with two Technical Vocation Education and Training (TVET) providers which are the Dumaguete Christian Technical School Inc. (DCTSI) and the Cebu Science of Welding and Skills Technology Inc. (CSWSTI). These providers will provide the two qualifications such as bread and pastry production NC II and masonry NC II, respectively, she added.

 This is part of TESDA’s Reform and Development Agenda which includes the implementation of its Circular 031, otherwise known as “Institutionalizing Drug Abuse Prevention and Post – Rehabilitation Programs in Public and Private TVIs and TTIs,” under Republic Act 9165 or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

 OIC-Provincial Warden Franklin Culanag, in his message said “That part of their development as individuals is the internalization of positive work values as well as keeping in mind and soul that despite every life’s trial, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.”

 For his part, Provincial Director Floro Ringca of TESDA emphasized the 17-Point Agenda of Secretary Guiling Mamondiong as basis for which the provision of livelihood skills training emanates in response to the implementation of TESDA Circular 031 series of 2016.

Ringca assured the inmates they will be ushered for free when they take the assessment for national certification.

Pursuant to RA 9165 cites the inclusion of programs and activities related to the prevention and deterrence of the use of dangerous drugs, and referral for treatment and rehabilitation of students for drug dependence.

Also stated in the law is the integration of instruction on drug abuse prevention and control which includes adverse effects, misconceptions, and implications of drug abuse and preventive measures, interventions, treatment and rehabilitation.

This will be implemented with the assistance of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) while TESDA will lead the development, publication, and distribution of information and support educational materials on dangerous drugs to the students, the faculty, the parents, and the community.

Malagar said teaching skills training for inmates within the city jails nationwide is part of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between TESDA and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on December 6, 2016.

The following courses the inmates could avail nationwide include Front Office Services NC II, Customer Service NC II, Barista NC II, HEO Forklift NC II, Automotive Servicing NC I, Food Processing NC III, Hilot Wellness Massage NC II, Motorcycle / Small Engine Services NC II; Bread and Pastry NC II, Nail Care NC II, Massage Therapy NC II, Beauty Care NC II, Housekeeping NC III, Organic Agriculture NC II, Animal Production NC II and Cookery NC II, said Malagar. (fcr/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)