Mayor John Dalipe together with Majority Leader and District II Congressman Mannix Dalipe, leads the distribution of Toolkits to 160 Scholars under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) implemented by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

STEP is an initiative of TESDA Secretary Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, Congressman Mannix Dalipe, and Mayor John Dalipe, which focuses on providing Zamboangueños with access to high-quality training to improve their skills and employability.

Of the total beneficiaries, 60 completed their training on Shielded Metal Art Welding (SMAW), 50 trained on Raise Organic Small Ruminants while another 50 were trained on Raise Organic Hogs, both under Organic Agriculture Production.

The training and assessment were conducted by Advancetech International Manpower Training Center (AIMTC).

During the event held Friday, August 30 at the TESDA building in Talungon Drive, San Roque, the graduates under SMAW received a welding machine each, while those in Organic Agriculture Productions received manual knapsack sprayer, wheelbarrow, shovel, hoof knife and pail, equipping them with the tools needed to kickstart their careers.

Mayor John Dalipe underscored the city’s commitment to education and skills development, noting that these initiatives form the cornerstone of a productive labor force.

“In Zamboanga City, we have always believed in the power of education and skills development as the foundation of a highly productive labor force. Our people, with their boundless energy and determination are the key to our city’s progress. When we invest in them, we are investing in the future of Zamboanga,” Dalipe said.

“El de ustedes cada’y cual istoria na vida, amo ta queda inspiracion di amon para produci mas manada pa scholars…May you use these tools wisely, and may your future be filled with success and fulfilment. Together, we will continue to build a prosperous Zamboanga City; one that we can all be proud of,” Dalipe added.

Present during the distribution were Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, Councilors Jimmy Villaflores and Jordan Evangelista, TESDA ZCICDO District Director Omarkhayyam Dalagan represented by Center Administrator Joseline Wee, and AIMTC President Capt. Aaron Go and staff. (Bernadeth Lazaro) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)