jermy e. divinagracia

“There will be obstacle. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits.”                             -Michael Phelps

We’d like to borrow that quote from the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps. Today, lets us be again inspired to the story of our next featured TESDAN, who will once again prove that with hard work, there will be no limits. Let us all meet Mr. Francisrhom G. Orillo

Francisrhom is from La Fraternidad, Tubay, Agusan del Norte. The town of Tubay has a rich history, known to be as the seat of the government and the center of commercial activity in 1890’s before the seat was transferred to Cabadbaran in 1900s. As a kid, Francis dreamt of becoming a law enforcer. He took up BS Criminology but was not able to finish the degree due to the financial difficulties. But this obstacle didn’t stop him to dream. “My mom encouraged me to a training at TESDA. TESDA trainings and courses will lead you to jobs in demand locally and abroad. I followed my mom’s advice and enrolled at the Provincial Training Center of Agusan del Norte” he said.

   “Since I wanted to be a welder, I took up Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II. After finishing the training and passing the National Assessment, my life then changed” he noted.

      “I am now working at Hajin Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd- Subic Shipyard. I made it here because this is where I had my On-Job-Training. I am proud to be part of Hanjin knowing that it is the fourt largest shipyard in the world, the largest in the Philippines and one of the largest private employers in the country” he added.

        “My training at the Provincial Training Center of Agusan del Norte has helped me reach my dream of being a professional welder. If not from the free training from TESDA, I will not be here. This opportunity has helped me grow professionally. I am able to help my family back home. I am happy that I am now earning roughly P200, 000.00 annually” he said.

         “It was never easy to be where I am now. I have encountered negativities from people who looked down me because I am a college undergraduate. But it did not stop me from chasing my dreams. There will always be doubters. But because of hard work and because of support of my family and with the training I had from TESDA I overcame the obstacle.”

           I am planning to work abroad soon, I am just earning more experience here at Hanjin. My other batch mates from SMAW NC II are also successful as well”, he noted in glee. “My advice to the youth, especially in Tubay, is for them be trained at TESDA. It is for free. You will learn a lot of things with your training including the right attitude and professionalism at work. You will surely land to promising jobs and a lot more of exciting opportunities. If you have a dream, make way to it. Do not let negativity stop you.”

 (LMEscobal- TESDA Caraga)

"Success means having the courage the determination and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be."

         -Georage A. Sheehan         

   A lot of people were asking how to become successful in one's chosen career. We have read it in inpirational books and heard it from speeches about instilling values of courage, determination and willingness to reach what you are meant to be. Today, let us again be inspired to the story of our next featured TESDAN, who in one way or another, will be living proof of how those values can help us reach what we were all meant to be.. to become successful. Let us all meet Mr. Jovani Paayas

            Jovani is from Magallanes, Agusan Del Norte. As a kid, he always had this passion for cooking. He took up Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Management from Fatrher Saturnino Urios University but due to financial difficulties, he was not able to finish the degree.    

            "I learned that my uncle had a training in TESDA. He took up Shielded Metal Arc Welding. I was inspired and so I decided to also enrol and get a training. Since I have a passion for cooking, I took up Commercial Cooking NC II at the Provincial Training Center of Agusan del Norte", he said.

            "After my training and assessment, I have learned a lot about cooking. My training at TESDA has helped me develop the courage, the determination and the fire to reach what I am meant to be, to be a professional chef someday" he added.

            "Because of my NC II in commercial cooking, I able was to land a job at Almont Inland Resort and Hotel. I worked there for 2 years and the experience has enriched my professional career. I started envisioning to work abroad and to be in the cruise line industry", he noted

            "I have gone through a lot. The competition is tough because most applicants are culinary and/or HRM graduates. But I didn't lose hope. I put my trust to God that he will help me reach my dreams. My skills training at TESDA and the lesson I have learned practicing the skills professionally were my greatest strengths. I didn't lose my determination and willingness to be in the cruise line industry. And yes, God has been so good to me. He heard my prayers", he said. "I am now currently working in an Italian Cruise Line as a Commis de Cuisine, hopefully to be a Demi Chef at the end of this contract. Because of TESDA I was able to reach my dream job and I am able to provide the needs of my family. I am actually a single dad of two lovely ladies" he added in glee.

      "We are now cruising in South America, most particularly in Brazil and in Argentina. The skills training I had at the provincial Training Center of Agusan del Norte were very useful- related to Sauce preparation, Pasta, Dressing and a lot more. I am forever thankful to PTC for the training" he noted.

When asked about his message to the youth, he gladly replied, "If you want to achieve your dreams and ambition, never lose determination and courage. Do not be discouraged even if you did not have or even finished College. As long as you have the skills and the right attitude to work, you will get your dream job. There are TESDA training courses that will develop and master your innate skills and training also embeds professionalism and right attitude toward work. I am recommending the youth to be trained at TESDA."

               "My trainer before is Ma'am Hayda Tabilo. She really a good and competent trainer to us. I am looking forward to visit her and training center when I go home soon. Thank you for the interview and more power to TESDA. I am proud to be a TESDA Graduate. God bless po."

(LMEscobal- TESDA Caraga)

  "One important key to success is "self confidence". An important key to self-confidence is preparation."   -Arthur Ashe

Our next featured TESDAN will help us better value and appreciate preparation leading to self-confidence. Let us all meet Mr. Rene Boy Ilosorio.

      Rene Boy is from Brgy. 6, Atega Subdivision, Cabadbaran City. He is product of Caraga State University with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Technical Teacher major in Food Service Management.

           "I heard about the free trainings of TESDA from my teacher. She advised me to try and enrol as many TESDA programs and be assessed afterwards. It will be a sure way to improve my skills", he said. He needed the advice of her teacher and decided to enrol to TESDA programs. "I have 3 TESDA trainings- Housekeeping NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II and Cookery NC II which I took up three trainings from TESDA is for him to be more self-confident and to be more knowledgeable and to be effective in sharing his learnings to his future students and/or trainees.

            "After taking the TESDA trainings especially the Cookery NC II, I feel that i gained better elf- confidence. What makes more special is the fact that I got the training, 100% free. I am very proud that I was able to finish the training. The assessment is so challenging and I was rated competent", he added.

            "The free training of TESDA has helped me get a ticket to comply with the DepEd requirements knowing I have National Certificates. Because of my training and with the confidence I gained from it, I was hired and now I am a certified DepEd Teacher", he noted. "I am now a Senior High School Teacher of the Cabadbaran National High School. I am teaching Bread Making and Cookery. My trainings from TESDA were very useful and I can easily apply a better approach for skills development to my students," he added.

              When asked for his advice to his fellow Cabadbaranons, he smiled and said. " To the Cabadbaranon Youth, never stop reaching for your dreams. If you don't have enough means to continue your tertiary education, TESDA is here to make your dreams come true! The trainings are for free. "Sa Tesda may trabaho ka" because it will be very easy for you to find a job or to start a business. As long as you have the determination, persistence and self-confidence, no doubt you will reach your dreams. TESDA has a wide array of trainings and courses to choose from"

              "I am encouraging my friends, my relatives, my classmates and my family to visit the Provincial Training Center of Agusan del Norte and avail their free trainings. I commend the center for their quality services and trainings", he said.

                "My definition of success is to fulfill your purpose. Why? it is not just reaching or achieving your personal goals but at the same contribute to the society while reaching your personal dreams. It is an unselfish concern for others. I am a living example of a work in progress. I will not stop her and will strive to be a better person." (LMEscobal- TESDA Caraga)

        Rene Boy is now earning ₱235, 440.00 annually. He has also finished his Trainers Methodology Certificate.

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the importance of continuous learning and skill enhancement cannot be overstated. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with practical skills tailored to specific trades and vocations. By focusing on hands-on experience and real-world applications, TVET programs not only prepare students for immediate employment but also foster lifelong learning and career advancement, addressing critical skills gaps within the workforce.

MERCY M. PENASO, Bread and Pastry Production NC II Trainer.

A 44-year old woman from Brgy. La Union, Cabadbaran City, a devoted mother of two, envisions a nurturing and unwavering life for her family, where love and support are at the forefront of their everyday experiences. Her inspiring journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and training. Ms. Penaso embraced dreams of a better future, which drove her to take a bold step toward her aspirations.

She took up Bachelor of Secondary Industrial Education, major in Food Technology. In her pursuit of personal and professional growth, she enrolled in Bread and Pastry Production NC II program at the Provincial Training Center of Agusan del Norte, a decision that would redefine her life.

Before discovering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), her life was marked by challenges and uncertainty. She dedicated herself to promoting sales in a bustling department store in Butuan City where each day was a testament to her resilience and ambition. Despite the demanding nature of her job, she held onto a dream of personal growth and a vision of a brighter future. She tirelessly sought opportunities to upgrade her skills, believing that education would pave the way for her success. With determination, Ms. Penaso immersed herself in her studies, mastering the art of bread and pastry making. Her hard work culminated in a successful competency assessment in 2019, where she was recognized as competent during the assessment. This accomplishment not only validated her skills but also opened doors to new opportunities. She was honored to be nominated as one of Agusan del Norte’s “IDOLS NG TESDA”, a recognition that underscored her commitment and passion in her craft.

On October 7, 2020, Ms. Penaso transitioned from student to Junior Trainer in the same program at the Provincial Training Center of Agusan del Norte. She took on the responsibility of community-based training, where she shared her expertise with aspiring bakers. On April 11, 2024, her dedication leads to her current role as Trainer in Bread and Pastry Production NC II at the Carmen Livelihood Skills Training Center, located in Brgy. Poblacion, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. In this position, she focuses on empowering her trainees, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the competitive bread and pastry industry.

Ms. Penaso’s journey is a testament to the profound impact that commitment to learning can have one’s life. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasizes that being a housewife and mother should never be viewed as obstacles to achieving one’s dreams. Through the support of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and its TVET programs, she has found a pathway to realize her ambitions and inspire others to do the same. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that with determination and the right opportunities, anyone can transform their life and pursue their dreams.

"Success is not always about where we start but how we rise above challenges to reach our dreams." 

One’s success is not merely a product of talent or opportunity but a reflection of perseverance, determination, and sacrifice. Every achievement is built on countless hours of hard work, overcoming setbacks, and pushing forward despite challenges. It is through resilience and unwavering dedication that individuals turn their dreams into reality and carve a path toward a fulfilling career.

LUNDAN D. MARTINEZ, Cookery NC II and Bread and Pastry Production NC II Trainer.

A 45-year old resident of Purok 4, Brgy. Tolosa Bliss, Cabadbaran City, embarked on his journey at the Provincial Training Center – Agusan del Norte as a trainee in Cookery NC II and Bread and Pastry Production NC II. Prior to this, he pursued a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, and successfully graduated in March 2019. With dedication and perseverance, he enrolled in Cookery NC II and Bread and Pastry Production NC II programs at the Provincial Training Center – Agusan del Norte in 2019 where he successfully gained a National Certificate. These achievements equipped him with the skills and knowledge to excel in the culinary field. His commitment led him to take a new role as a Junior Trainer, where he now shares his skills and expertise and inspires others to pursue their aspirations. His inspiring journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and training, demonstrating how perseverance and continuous learning can create new opportunities and change lives.