TESDA, DOTr launch Tsuper Iskolar

UNDER the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) launched on Aug 16, 2019 “Tsuper Iskolar” at the Activity Center, Robinson’s Place, Pavia, Iloilo.

TESDA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña led the launching alongside USec. Mark Richmund M. De Leon of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB); Deputy Director General Gladys F. Rosales, TESDA Deputy Commissioner for Internal and Administration Group; Gaspar S. Gayona, TESDA Regional Director; and Richard Z. Osmeña, Regional Director of LTFRB.

Also, four of the transport sector cooperatives in Region-6 – Jaro Liko Jeepney Operations and Driver Association (JALITJODAI), Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association, Alliance of Provincial Operators and Drivers Transport Cooperative (APODTC), and Iloilo City Alliance of Drivers Association, joined the launching of the scholarship program.

“TsuperIskolar” is a government-sponsored scholarship program offered to various transport cooperatives and stakeholders which will be affected by the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization.

Specifically, it aims to provide scholarships, skills trainings, skills assessment, and entrepreneurship trainings to the beneficiaries and their families through courses offered by TESDA.

It also aims to give transport groups additional trainings that would allow them employment options.

The target beneficiaries of this project shall include but not be limited to the following:

• displaced persons affected by the PUVMP;
• stakeholders who opt to voluntarily exit from the transport industry;
• stakeholders who opt to continue in the transport industry;
• new stakeholders in the transport industry; and
• family members/dependents of the affected stakeholders up to the third degree of consanguinity or affinity.

The qualifications are:

• A Filipino Citizen;
• Age Requirements (for full qualifications) at least 18 years of age at the time he/she finishes the training program, and (for Certificate of Competencies) at least 15 years old at the start of the training program; and
• High school completers or high school undergraduates who can at least read and write, depending on the qualification requirements provided in the training regulations.

Each scholar shall be entitled to training support fund to cover food and transportation allowance equivalent to Php350 per training day attended for a maximum of 35 days.

The said scholarship program was initiated to facilitate the Stakeholder Support Mechanism Component of the PUVMP, which aims to capacitate the affected stakeholders and their dependents in the transport industry to be competent, self-sufficient, and well-equipped with the necessary technical education and skills trainings.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by TESDA and DOTr last December 11, 2018 to support the partnership of the two agencies. (TESDA)