Basco, Batanes – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Batanes successfully conducted the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) on August 22, 2025 at the Aquino Grandstand, Basco, Batanes. The event was spearheaded by TESDA Provincial Director John D. Simborios and jointly organized by the TESDA Provincial Office and the Provincial Training Center.

The activity gathered 50 participants/trainees who were given access to various TESDA programs and services. The event formally opened with welcome remarks from Mr. Albert Allan Agudo, representative from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The WCO was also joined by TESDA’s valued academic and government partners, namely Saint Dominic College of Batanes, Inc., Batanes State College, and DOLE. Industry partners who supported the event included Boulder Bay Travel & Tours, Triple-11 Motorparts Accessories & Services, and Aqua West Wrs.

TESDA Batanes offered several services on-site, such as:

1. Claiming of 2024 Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) starter toolkits in Driving NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, and Cookery NC II,

2. Claiming of Training Support Allowance,

3. Scholarship enrollment,

4. Information and inquiries on various TESDA scholarship programs.
   
   

The World Café of Opportunities served as a venue for linking TESDA scholars and graduates with potential employers, training institutions, and support agencies, ensuring that the skills they acquire translate into actual livelihood and employment opportunities.

Director Simborios emphasized TESDA Batanes’ continued commitment to empowering the local workforce. “Through this initiative, we are not only equipping our trainees with skills but also connecting them with opportunities that will help uplift their lives and contribute to the development of Batanes,” he said.

The event concluded with networking sessions between participants and partner institutions, marking another step in TESDA’s mission to provide accessible, relevant, and transformative technical-vocational education and training for Ivatans.