Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña formally signed on Monday, April 8, 2019 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to train construction workers and professionals in an effort to meet the demands in skills for the Build Build Build Program of the government.
Held at the DPWH Head Office in Port Area, Manila, the MOU signing was witnessed by DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, DPWH Assistant Secretary Eduardo Ramos Jr., and TESDA officials: Deputy Director Generals Rosanna A. Urdaneta and Gladys F. Rosales, and Executive Directors Imelda B. Taganas and Ma. Susana P. Dela Rama.
Secretary Villar said the MOU which launches the Program on Project-based On-site Learning of Skilled Construction Professionals (PPOL SCoP), was initiated and will be funded by TESDA.
Under the MOU, DPWH and TESDA will jointly develop trainers and assessors for the program but DPWH is specifically tasked to: coordinate with TESDA and local government units (LGUs) to identify all construction projects where the project-based on-site learnings will be conducted; encourage construction companies to implement the program and subsequently hire the learners after training and assessment; ensure construction companies hire bonafide residents where projects are located; and assist TESDA in developing competency standards, competency-based curriculum and learning materials.
TESDA on the other hand is expected to provide technical assistance to construction companies in developing project-based on-site learning training plan; facilitate the conduct of training and assessment of construction company foremen, leadmen, supervisors, and superintendent who can serve as trainers and assessors; as well as provide scholarship assistance in the implementation of programs.
“We value this assistance from TESDA as we also want our BBB workers to be able to develop necessary skills in ensuring that our infrastructure projects are of quality and are timely implemented,” said Secretary Villar.
“Through TESDA’s training, skilled construction professionals are also assured of being paid better income,” added Secretary Villar.