TESDANS celebrate Women’s Month 2014

Proclamation No. 227 series of 1988 provides the observance of the month of March as Women’s Role in History Month. This year’s celebration of Women’s Month pays tribute to the strong and highly-spirited “Juana” who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the world. Year 2013 had not been very productive to us Filipinos. A lot of natural calamities like typhoons and earthquakes came and left our country devastated. Another plus to these country-wide crises happened when the pork-barrel scam was exposed. These trials and challenges reunited the Filipino people with other nations. Inspired and motivated to stand-up, all people from all walks of life extended all the help they could offer. Efforts, regardless of how small or big did not go unnoticed. This celebration recognizes the role of women in the rehabilitation process and their over-all contribution to progress.Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades celebration of the Women’s Month started as early as 5:00 a.m. of March 26 , 2014 at the ASSAT Canteen with the Hataw / Zumba Session to keep the “Juanas” and “Juans” healthy and fit. It was led by our energetic school nurse Mrs. Arlene B. Nakila and the athletic Welding / P.E. instructor Mrs. Maricel O. Balinton. It was participated by teachers and employees of ASSAT and TESDA-ADS. After an hour of breathtaking “HATAW” , painit in the sort of pan de sal , biko with coffee was served. Photo- shooting was evident throughout the early morning event.After a short break , the Opening Programme started at 9:30 a.m. at ASSAT Multimedia Room . It was emceed by Ms. Irah May Gaballo and participated by the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee ( GADCC ) , Ms. Fe Gomez (Regional GAD Focal) , Ms. Edna Hontiveros ( Chairperson – Forward Filipina and Vice-Chairperson GADCC-Caraga), Mr. Edwin Lanquino ( Supervising TESD Specialist and Training Center Chief SDN) , GAD Focals and coaches with their competitors for the Non-Traditional Skills Competition. A message about gender equality was given by the guest speaker Atty. Marylyn M. Pintor , CPA , Chairperson of the Regional Development Council and Regional Director of Commission on Human Rights – CARAGA. It was immediately followed by the orientation of theskills competition by Engr. Edwin Lanquino. The Board of Judges was introduced by Ms. Cherry Ann P. De Guzman ( GAD Focal – TESDA ADS ). Shop visitation followed immediately after the program for the purpose of familiarizing the machineries and equipment in Automotive and Plumbing. Lunch was served after the Shop Tour.

In the afternoon, Non-Traditional Skills Competition and Beauty/ Pampering time were simultaneously held in different venues. The Beauty/Pampering time was catered by the Beauty and Hair Experts in the Beauty Care / Hairdressing Shop headed by the trainer Mrs. Joy E. Deroca with the trainees while the Non-Traditional Skills Competition commenced in the Automotive and Plumbing shops.

The competitors for Perform Single Unit Plumbing Installation and Assemblies are Ms. Maricris Blanca ( 1^st Place) and Ms. Jazil Bullo ( 2^nd Place) both from ASSAT with Mr. Jemar Sumando as their coach. The competitors for Gas Engine Tune-Up were: Ms. Jannielyn S. Nastor ( 2^nd Place) from NMSF with her coach Mr. Henry L. Aragonis , Ms. Maria S. Monta (3^rd Place) from SNCAT with her coach Mr. Rolly Arellano and Ms. Jenny S. Torrecampo (1^st Place) from ASSAT with her coach Agustino J. Cambalon. The skills competition for Welding was held at PTC-Cabadbaran on March 27 , 2014 and ASSAT’s Gretchen Tumilap emerged as the 1st Place with Artemio Martizano Jr. as coach, followed by the competitors from PTC-Cabadbaran and SNCAT respectively.

The awarding ceremony was held last March 28, 2014 at Capitol Covered Court, Butuan City participated by all government agencies and Local Government Units. ASSAT went home with flying colors running away with all the 1^st place awards in the Non-Traditional Skills Competition. with report: Myra M. Divinagracia, Inst. I