Lapeña and his entourage proceeded immediately to Sofia Resort, Minanga, San Mariano, Isabela where he was warmly welcomed by San Mariano Municipal Mayor, Hon. Edgar T. Go, 2nd District Congressman of Isabela, Congressman Ed Christopher Go, the municipal council of San Mariano, barangay captains and other officials.

Mayor Go and Congressman Go together with the municipal officials joined Lapeña as they proceeded to Brgy. Disulap, San Mariano, Isabela for the opening program of the training for former rebels (FRs) and their families in Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II and Cookery NC II.

On the said barangay, the group was met by the Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, MGen Laurence E Mina, his officers and men, Brgy. Captain Elizabeth P. Domingo and other barangay officials, trainees, and barangay folks of the said place.

"Ako ay lubos na naliligayahan na kayo ay makita ko at makausap ng face to face.”, Lapeña stated during the inaugural ceremony. He went on to say, "Ang TESDA ay kabilang sa National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict o and tinatawag nilang NTF-ELCAC kaya’t ang aming ahensiya, kasama ang iba't ibang sangay ng pamahalaan ay nagtutulong-tulong upang kayo ay mabigyan ng pangunahing serbisyo at tulong upang kayo ay magkaroon ng maayos na pamumuhay sa pagbalik ninyo sa lipunan”. During his speech, Lapeña also vowed to provide more scholarship funds to the FRs, their families, and the residents of the barangay. Mayor Go and Congressman Go, likewise, expressed their appreciation to TESDA for its assistance and support to the residents of San Mariano, particularly in the PRLEC-identified areas of the municipality.

Lapeña also paid a quick visit to another group of FRs at Happy Farmville, Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela where he was welcomed with a Filipino folk dance by the members of IPs.

He also had an opportunity to talked with the FRs together with their family members and tour around the small village where they were provided shelter and livelihood. Towards the end of his visit on the said place, he was given a wooden carved katutubo warrior as a form of token of appreciation.

From there, Lapeña dropped by on the on-going construction of the Isabela Provincial Training Center (IPTC) building at Capitol Complex, Alibagu and to the TESDA Isabela Provincial Office at Calamagui 2nd, City of Ilagan.

One of the highlights of Sec. Lapeña’s visit to Isabela is the signing of the Deed of Usufruct between the City Government of Ilagan duly represented by the City Mayor Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz and TESDA for the use of a one-thousand square meter lot owned by the City Government located at the City Civic Center, Alibagu, City of Ilagan, Isabela.

The said signing was attended by the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor, the entire City Council of Ilagan, TESDA Regional Director, Provincial Directors, TTI’s and PTC employees of TESDA Isabela.

On the second day of his visit, Lapeña went to Fuga Island, in Aparri, Cagayan where he attended the graduation ceremony of the hundred and fifty four (154) individuals from the various skills trainings offered by the TESDA Cagayan.

There were 25 who have undergone a training on Photo Voltaic Systems Installation NC II; 35 in Raise Organic Small Ruminants NC II; 24 in Produce Organic Concoctions and Extract ; 25 in Process Food By Salting, Curing, and Smoking; 20 in Process Food By Sugar Concentrate; and 25 in Haircutting.

Romeo Talosig, Provincial Director of TESDA Cagayan, said the scholarship grants were determined based from the needs of the islanders which is considered as one of the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in the province.

The scholars of PV Systems Installations were given solar panels, toolkits and set needed for solar light in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cagayan including the solar panel installed in the barangay hall, while participants in other programs were given training allowances.

No less than Secretary Isidro Lapeña, Director-General, personally confirmed the graduates, handed over some toolkits and solar panels to the beneficiaries, and inspected some of the installed solar panels.

The secretary also vowed to bring more training programs, especially on agricultural productions to enable food security and sustainability in the island.

He said some of the trainings to be brought soon the area include carpentry, masonry, dressmaking, pastry making and other that me requested by the community. We will not abandon you. The farther the area, the more that government much be felt. Wherever you are, we will bring nearer the services to you for you to be uplifted from poverty," Lapeña said on his speech.

Melchor Visario, punong barangay, who is also one of the beneficiaries expressed his gratitude to TESDA as well as to other agencies that collaborated for the success of the training and for bringing services to the island barangay.

The 2-day visit of the Secretary only proves his dedication to the agency’s mandate. Indeed, TESDA has evolved into an organization that is responsive, effective and efficient in delivering myriad services to its clients.