The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Norte Provincial Office in collaboration with Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT), Provincial Training Center- Surigao del Norte, and Provincial Training Center- Siargao conducted the Surigao del Norte Cluster Meeting on January 7, 2025, at Almont Resort, Lipata, Surigao City.

The meeting was attended by TESDA Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr., CESO III, TESDA Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao, Supervising TESD Specialist Buenafe G. Enaya, Sr. TESD Specialist Joselito C. Ecoben, TESD Specialist II Anna Bonna B. Ojel, Administrative Assistant III of Regional Office Honey M. Dacuron, Center Administrator of PTC-SDN Engr. Edwin C. Lanquino, Sr. TESD Specialist of PTC-SDN Joseph B. Javier, Jr., TESD Specialist II Rosa  D. Ecoben of PTC-SDN, Acting Administrator of SNCAT Liza B. Budtan, Instructor II of SNCAT Rosana C. Cañon, Assistant Professor II of SNCAT Joy T. Bayhon, Center Administrator of PTC-Siargao Carlos M. Dunque, TESD Specialist II of PTC-Siargao Racky G. Arco, and Administrative Assistant III of PTC-Siargao Pearlyjoy G. Traya.

Furthermore, the activity aimed to discuss the accomplishment for FY 2024, Surigao del Norte’s Skills Priorities, Plans for FY 2025, and TESDA Technology Institutions Amalgamation.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Surigao del Norte held the Provincial TVET forum on February 27, 2025, at the 3rd floor, AVR-Surigao Education Center, Surigao City.

Furthermore, the meeting was graced by the TESDA Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr., CESO III, and shared his guidance in TVET direction including the opportunities for TVET in the province.

The activity was spearheaded by TESDA Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao, Supervising TESD Specialist Buenafe G. Enaya, Senior TESD Specialist Joselito C. Ecoben, and Administrative Officer V Maureen Luanne Litang.

The meeting's agenda included the presentation of TVET Accomplishments as of December 31,2024, the latest UTPRAS and CACS issuances, followed by an open forum to discuss the issues and concerns on the scholarship implementation and other relevant matters.

There were thirteen (13) TVET Implementers attended the forum namely St. Paul University Surigao (SPUS), Surigao Doctor’s College (SDC), Surigao Education Center (SEC), Bucas Grande Foundation College (BGFC), Provincial Training Center- Surigao del Norte, Provincial Training Center-Siargao, Livelihood Training, and Productivity Center (LTPC), Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT), GRC Mabakas Techno Demo Farm, Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC), RKEY Builders and Earthmoving Corporation, LGU-Alegria Manpower Skills Training and Assessment Center (LAMSTAC), and Marcos Tello Jr (MTJ) Farm.

The PROVINCIAL TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (PTESDC) convened on March 26, 2025, at TESDA Surigao del Norte Provincial Office.

Moreover, the agenda of the meeting included the Endorsement and approval of the PTESDC Work Plan for CY 2025, Presentation and Endorsement of the Granularized Priority Skills. Also, to discuss the TVET issues and concerns and other relevant matters.

Thus, the meeting was attended by the members namely, TESDA SDN Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao, Supervising TESD Specialist Buenafe G. Enaya, Senior TESD Specialist Joselito C. Ecoben, Mr. Jude A. Patagon of SDN-PCDO, Mr. Macedonio P. Antiola Jr. of Labor Sector, Ms. Peach Myrrha Po of DTI, and guests from the TVET Sector namely, Mr. Carlos M. Dunque, Mr. Edwin C. Lanquino, and Ms. Annie A. Abucejo.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Committee (PTESDC) was established to fully realize public-private cooperation. The PTESDC is responsible for coordinating and monitoring all skills programs delivered by the public and private sectors, as well as serving as an advising and recommendatory body to harmonize and rationalize TVET operations.

In celebration of Women’s Month, TESDA Surigao Del Norte Provincial Office provides technical assistance in CBT programs to the Hayanggabon Women’s Organization to empower local women and strengthen community initiatives. This reflects our commitment to fostering inclusive growth and creating more opportunities for women that are specifically designed to answer the needs of the barangays. It aims to enhance the citizens productivity thru productive livelihood endeavors and self-employment. The beneficiaries include the out of school youth and women.

The three day livelihood Skills Training in Manicure and Pedicure on March 26-28, 2025, held at the Barangay Hall, Hayanggabon, Claver, Surigao del Norte aimed to provide out of school youth and women in the marginalized sector of income generating opportunities, improve their basic skills, and to prepare them to find better ways of improving their quality of life by getting a job, starting a business, engaging in economic activity in the informal sector and to inspire and empower them to be agents of change through providing skills training for livelihood opportunities.

Starter toolkits, free meals and other administrative needs were given to all graduates borne by Platinum Group Metals Corporation  (PGMC) & LGU of Claver.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Surigao del Norte convened the Surigao del Norte Cluster Procurement Meeting on June 3, 2025, at TESDA Surigao del Norte Provincial Director’s Office, Capitol Road, Washington, Surigao City.

The activity was attended by Procurement Members from the Provincial Training Center-Surigao del Norte and the Provincial Office.

The primary objective of the meeting were to discuss the current status of the Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) Assessment, address issues and concerns regarding the assessment supplies and materials (S/M), and talk about other relevant matters affecting procurement and assessment processes. Emphasis was placed on the importance of coordination and timely communication among cluster members to ensure smooth operations.

Agreements made;

 -Hasten the procurement of S/M for assessment.

 - Conduct the assessment on June 9-11, 2025

 - Ensure to maintain a stock of S/M when will be enough for 3 batches of assessment.

Furthermore, the meeting aimed to strengthen operational efficiency and service delivery in line with TESDA’s objectives.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Norte successfully conducted the Provincial TVET Forum on July 25, 2025, at Pope Francis Hall, St. Paul University Surigao.

The agenda of the meeting included the presentation of the Implementing Guidelines on Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET), the Implementing Guidelines on TVET Micro-Credentialing, and the Provincial Skills Priorities. Updates were also provided on the status of TVIs’ Scholarship Implementation, Mandatory Assessments, Senior High School Assessments, and the Deployment of the New Competency Standards. The activity concluded with a productive discussion on current issues and concerns in the TVET sector.

The forum aimed to inform and engage stakeholders on recent policy updates, align local initiatives with national TVET priorities, and strengthen collaboration among TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs), and Private Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs).

There were sixteen (16) TVIs/TTIs/AC attended the forum namely St. Paul University Surigao (SPUS), Surigao Doctor’s College (SDC), Surigao Education Center (SEC), Bucas Grande Foundation College (BGFC), Siargao Island Institute of Technology (SIIT), Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT), Provincial Training Center- Surigao del Norte, Livelihood Training, and Productivity Center (LTPC), MTJ Farm School, C-Hilot Wellness Massage, JB Nature Farm and Resort, RKEY Builders and Earthmoving Corp., LGU-Alegria Manpower Skills Training and Assessment Center (LAMSTAC), Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC), GRC Mabakas Techno Demo Farm, and Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC).

On August 1, 2025, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Surigao del Norte conducted a meeting to discuss the registration procedure for Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) programs. The activity was held at the Office of the Provincial Director, TESDA Surigao del Norte.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Hinatuan Mining Corporation, Taganito Mining Corporation, RKEY Builders and Earthmoving Corp., Philippine Coconut Authority, and Mainit Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (MIFACO).

The session was facilitated by Senior TESDS Mr. Joselito C. Ecoben, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the EBET program registration process. His discussion focused on the requirements, and application procedures. Open discussions were conducted to address queries and clarify concerns raised by the participants. Also, they were given templates and samples of forms to ensure uniformity and completeness in submissions.

The participants agreed to submit their EBET application documents on August 7, 2025.

The activity served as a vital platform for enhancing coordination between TESDA and its partner industries, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in the implementation and quality assurance of EBET programs.

In line with the continuing efforts to strengthen collaboration between TESDA and local government units, the Surigao del Norte Cluster started the rounds of courtesy visits to the Local Chief Executives of the municipalities of Alegria, Mainit, Malimono, and San Francisco, Surigao del Norte. These visits were held on July 31, 2025,  August 4, and 5, 2025, and served as a platform to discuss the 2025 Revalidation Report of TESDA Surigao del Norte Provincial Skills Priorities and explore other areas of partnership with the respective LGUs.

The meetings aimed to align local development plans with TESDA’s skills training programs, ensure that priority sectors are addressed based on the labor market demands of the area, and reinforce TESDA’s commitment to inclusive and area-based and demand-driven technical education and skills development. Moreover, the activity sought to foster mutual support and collaboration in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the communities through targeted skills development initiatives.

The team was spearheaded by  PD Catalina O. Tacubao, together with the Administrators of the three (3) TESDA Technology Institutions (TTI); College Administrator Liza B. Budtan of SNCAT, Center Administrator Edwin C. Lanquino of PTC-Surigao del Norte and Center Administrator Carlos M. Dunque of PTC-Siargao and Sr. TESD Specialist Joselito C. Ecoben.

The courtesy visits and  collaborative meeting were successfully held with the following  Local Chief executives and other officials;

Alegria       - Hon. Mayor Dominador G. Esma Jr.

                     - LAMSTAC Manager Gilbert O. Martinez

                     - LDRRMO Jaden P. Laurejas

 Mainit         - Hon. Mayor Ramon B, Mondano

                     - MPDC Vanesa Naldoz

                     - PESO Jerma Caulin

Malimono  - Hon. Mayor Arnel S. Amalla, EE, EnP

- Vice Mayor Robert T. Senaca

- Hon. SB Member Mona Lisa M. Canoy

- Hon. SB Member Rose Ann T. Catubigan

- MSWDO Sara Jane M. Moreño

- HRMO II Florio M. Geronda

- Local DRRM Assisstant

- PESO Manager Samuel R. Dapusala

- PWD President Designate Charito S. Besas

- OSCA Head Reynaldo B. Cartin

- Municipal Engr. Niel P. Ampater

- Acting Municipal Treasurer Adoracion M. Unclara

 San Francisco - Hon Mayor Val P.  Pinat

 The activity will continue to other municipalities, city, legislators and provincial government of the province.