The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, in coordination with Surigao Association of Technical Vocational Institution Inc., under the leadership of Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao successfully conducted the Provincial TVET Forum: Advancing Quality and Inclusive TVET Delivery, Strengthening Skills and Shaping the Future on March 4, 2026, at the High School Building, St. Paul University Surigao (SPUS) New Site, Surigao City.

On June 22, 2026, the TESDA Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Registration Awarding Ceremony was successfully held at Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC) in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

The event marked the official awarding of PGMC's TESDA EBET Registration by TESDA Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr., CESO III, recognizing the company's commitment to providing quality enterprise-based training opportunities for its workforce.

The ceremony was attended by TESDA Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao, who also awarded the certificate to PGMC's registered/accredited trainer and assessor, Engr. Reynaldo D. Guinita. A message of support was delivered by May C. Velonta, Chief Labor and Employment Officer and Provincial Head of DOLE Surigao del Norte.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Surigao del Norte Cluster, in partnership with the Surigao Association of Technical Vocational Institutions Inc. (SATVII) and its valued industry partners, successfully concluded the Surigao del Norte Provincial Skills Olympics 2026 held on March 17, 2026, at the Surigao Education Center in Surigao City.

The Provincial Skills Olympics 2026 gathered trainees from various Technical Vocational Institutions across the province who competed in the following skills areas:

1. Carpentry

2. Electrical Installation

3. Cookery and,

4. IT Software Solutions for Business

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Norte, under the leadership of Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao, paid a coordination meeting with the Provincial Head of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Norte Field Office, Ms. May C. Velonta, and the Public Employment Skills and Development Office (PESDO) Manager, who is also the Head of the Livelihood Training and Productivity Center, Ms. Arciazel L. Lagrama, on March 18, 2026, at the 2nd Floor of the LML Building, KM1, Rizal St., Brgy. Washington, Surigao City.

The Joint Regional Coordination Committee (JRCC) Meeting and Consultation with officials and representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment Central Office and attached agencies was successfully conducted on April 13, 2026 in General Luna, aimed at addressing the growing shortage of highly skilled workers in the priority sectors of Tourism, Mining, and Construction within the Caraga Region, particularly in Surigao del Norte.

A collaboration meeting was conducted between TESDA Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, Buildnet Construction, Inc., and the Livelihood Training and Productivity Center (LTPC) to discuss possible partnership initiatives in support of workforce development and competency assessment in the construction sector.

During the meeting, Buildnet Construction, Inc. presented its priority qualification requirements for Heavy Equipment Operation (HEO), particularly in the operation of Dump Truck, Hydraulic Excavator, Road Roller, Compactor, Bulldozer, Motor Grader, and Wheel Loader. The discussion also focused on identifying possible assessment arrangements and strengthening industry linkage initiatives to address workforce demands.

The participants likewise explored opportunities for collaboration in conducting competency assessments and expanding assessment services through LTPC to better support the qualification requirements of the company.

The activity was attended by job seekers, fresh graduates, TESDA training enrollees, TESDA scholar graduates, and members of the local community in Surigao City. Representatives from partner agencies, local government officials, and private sector employers also participated.

• lA total of 213 job seekers registered, composed of 88 males and 125 females

• 70 applicants were hired-on-the-spot (HOTS), including 42 males and 28 females

• A total of 18 toolkits were distributed to beneficiaries of Provincial Training Center-Surigao del Norte, with 5 allocated for Driving NC II and 13 for PV system Installation.

• Enrollment of 56 individuals in various technical-vocational training qualifications.

The TESDA Surigao del Norte Cluster, headed by Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao, in partnership with the LGU of Socorro, DOLE Surigao del Norte Field Office, Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI), and Atuyay Rural Community Agriculture Cooperative (ARCACO), successfully conducted a series of community-based training programs under the TRAIN LOKAL in Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Sering, Socorro, Surigao del Norte. The activity aimed to equip community members with practical technical and livelihood skills that would improve their employability and create opportunities for sustainable income generation.

The initiative also supported TESDA's commitment to community empowerment by promoting inclusive economic growth and delivering accessible and quality technical-vocational education and training services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.

The following training programs were conducted:

• Training in Hydroponic System 

• Training in Extracts and Concoctions 

• Training in Skinless Longganisa Making 

• Training in Squash Ice Cream Making

• Training in Basic Electrical Installation and Maintenance 

• Training in Table Skirting, Napkin Folding, and Table Set-Up 

A total of 153 beneficiaries successfully completed the various community based training programs.