Basco, Batanes – The TESDA Batanes Provincial Office (PO) successfully conducted a Technical Vocational Institution (TVI) Forum on February 21, 2025 at the Batanes Technical Skills Development Center (BTSDC) Multipurpose Hall. The forum was led by TESDA Provincial Director John D. Simborios, with the active participation of Mr. Samuel C. Falcis, Supervising TESD Specialist, and Mrs. Delma P. Castillejos, TESD Specialist II/Scholarship Focal.

The activity gathered representatives from various partner institutions, including:

• TESDA Provincial Training Center (PTC): Mr. Gerzon R. Abad, Senior TESD Specialist, and Ms. Mary Ann A. Salengua, Senior TESD Specialist

• Batanes State College (BSC): Mr. Kurt Ryan Donato, AC Manager

• Saint Dominic College (SDC): Sr. Imelda R. Ferrer, School President

The forum formally began at 2:00 p.m. with a prayer led by Sr. Imelda. To set the tone for collaboration, PD Simborios initiated a round of introductions among the participants.

The PTC representatives presented an orientation on their registered TVET programs, which include Driving NC II, Food and Beverage Services NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Produce Organic Fertilizer (leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II), and Produce Concoction and Extracts (leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II).

Representing BSC, Mr. Donato expressed the institution’s interest in registering additional TVET programs to complement its existing Housekeeping NC II and Bread and Pastry Production (BPP) NC II.

Meanwhile, SDC President Sr. Imelda shared the financial challenges faced by the school, noting that as the only private institution in the province, SDC requested support in offering Driving NC II. With only one registered TVET program at present, SDC also plans to pursue registration for BPP NC II, given its available equipment and facilities. The TESDA PO assured continuous support through scholarship allocation and assistance in facilitating their program registration.

Adding to the discussion, Ms. Castillejos presented the approved Provincial Scholarship Allocation Plan (PSAP), highlighting the government’s commitment to providing educational and training opportunities to more Ivatans.

The activity reaffirmed TESDA’s commitment to working closely with its partner TVIs to strengthen technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in the province.