Tacloban City, Philippines – The Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program which is being implemented by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is seen as a tool that would increase the employability of Eastern Visayas folks.
As of March 29, 2009, there were 5,776 scholars have benefited from the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program in Region 8, TESDA Region 8 Director Juan M. Sabulao Jr. informed.
Of the total number of Pangulong Gloria Scholars in the Region, about 303 have graduated as of March 29, 2009.
The Pangulong Gloria scholars in Region 8 are studying in the various TESDA accredited vocational-technical schools scattered in the 6 provinces in Region 8. In Leyte province, there are 1,594 Pangulong Gloria scholars; 318 in Biliran; 407 in Southern Leyte; 544 in Samar; 1,242 in Eastern Samar and 1,671 in Northern Samar.
These scholars are taking up short courses on Bartending, Building Wiring, Call Center Agent, Carpentry, Commercial Cooking, computer hardware servicing, consumer electronics servicing, food and beverage services, health care services, household housekeeping, Java, Korean language, machining, medical transcription, massage therapy, masonry, pipefitting, plumbing, shielded metal arch welding, automotive servicing, driving, haircutting, small engine servicing, among others.
Right after graduation, these graduates undergo assessment tests for them to be given certification, an important requirement for employment or for further training.
“The Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program is TESDA’s response to President Arroyo’s directives on government-business-labor initiatives against the global crisis,” Sabulao said.
The Pangulong Gloria Scholarships is TESDA’s platform to link job training directly to job recruiters, displaced workers and Overseas Filipino workers.
Sabulao said the program is aimed at reducing the unemployment and underemployment rate in the country by helping students and the local populace to get immediate employment not only in their localities but even outside the country.
The training package includes the training cost, institutional incentive package, training allowance and assessment fees.
Availment of the scholarship is on first-come first served basis.
“I encourage interested Eastern Visayans to visit the TESDA office nearest them, right away.” Sabulao added.
Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old, with birth certificate preferably issued by the National Statistics Office, physically and mentally fit.