July 04, 2025- A major milestone in workforce development was marked on July 4, 2025, as TESDA Isabela, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Isabela and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Isabela, hosted a high-impact Industry Forum at the Amphitheater of the Provincial Capitol in Alibagu. The event centered on the rollout of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) program—a transformative approach aimed at aligning technical education with the real-world demands of industry.

With more than 170 participants representing various industries, enterprises, and academic institutions, the forum demonstrated strong local support for the EBET initiative. The program officially opened with registration, an invocation, and the national anthem, followed by welcoming remarks and acknowledgment of guests by PESO Isabela’s Labor and Employment Assistant, Ms. Carmina Mamuri.

In her welcome address, Ms. Cecilia Claire N. Reyes, PESO Isabela Manager, underlined the importance of EBET in bridging the gap between education and employment. She also presented updated Labor Market Information (LMI) Reports and shared upcoming projects of PESO and the Provincial Government aimed at enhancing workforce readiness and strengthening industry-government collaboration.

TESDA Region II Director Ashary A. Banto reinforced the program’s goals, describing EBET as more than a training scheme—it is a shift in mindset toward workplace-integrated learning, which ensures graduates are equipped with both technical skills and real-world experience.

Key voices from partner sectors echoed this sentiment. Mr. Carlo Agcaoili Castillo, President of the PCCI Isabela Chapter and newly elected Chairman of the Provincial MSMED Council, encouraged enterprises to embrace the program as a strategy for inclusive economic growth. Likewise, Mr. Ralph C. Domingo of DOLE Isabela and a representative from DTI Isabela expressed full support for EBET, emphasizing its alignment with their respective mandates.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Implementing Guidelines of the EBET Program by TESDA Isabela Provincial Director Dr. Vilma C. Cabrera, CESO VI. Her comprehensive orientation detailed the program’s objectives, eligibility, and application process, urging industries to collaborate in providing real-work training environments.

The forum made history when Dinapigue Mining Corporation, represented by Ms. Catherine Realista, formally declared its commitment as the first EBET-registered company in Isabela. The announcement was met with resounding applause, signaling a promising start to the EBET program’s local implementation.

To cement this commitment, TESDA facilitated the Signing of the Pledge of Support, led by Mr. Armando B. Daquioag, Acting Supervising TESD Specialist. Representatives from government agencies and industries signed the pledge, demonstrating a unified stance in advancing enterprise-based training. A group photo concluded the symbolic activity.

The Industry Forum successfully fulfilled its objectives: promoting the EBET model, engaging key stakeholders, and securing its first industry partner. TESDA Isabela is now poised to expand this initiative, with the strong backing of local industries and government units. The province takes a definitive step toward a more responsive, job-ready, and competitive workforce, championing a future where learning meets labor market demands head-on.