The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Surigao del Sur (TESDA-SDS) lauded the determination of 25 residents from Barangay Doña Carmen in Tagbina town in completing their scholarship program even amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

TESDA Surigao del Sur Provincial director Julius Sol Jamero said Thursday the 25 residents of Doña Carmen completed their Bread and Pastry Production NC II training last Nov. 24.

Of the 25 graduates, Jamero said 23 are females while two are males who are both members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) assigned under the 67th Infantry Battalion.

The two CAFGUs availed of the training program through the partnership of TESDA and the Department of National Defense (DND).

“By completing the 18-day training on bread and pastry production, these 25 graduates are now entering into the new chapter of their lives, with the new knowledge and skills they obtained through TESDA,” Jamero said.

He added that the women graduates belong to a mothers’ organization in their barangay that plans to venture into the bread and pastries business.

“TESDA will also help in the provision of materials and equipment for the organization that can be used to start up their business,” Jamero said.

During the 18-day training, each of the participants was provided with a PHP160 daily allowance, PHP500 for their personal protective equipment, and PHP500 for internet connection.

The 25 participants were also provided with one-year accident insurance through the Government Service Insurance System. (PNA)