The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Isabela State University (ISU) TVET-Competency Assessment Center produced sixty-nine (69) graduates for its Special Training Program (STEP) on Prepare Land leading to Agricultural Crops Production NC III. The said graduation commenced on April 22, 2024 at the De Venecia Hall, ISU-Echague.

Leading to the graduation ceremony, the training program was attended and accomplished by students from three (3) batches from October to December 2023. The first, second, and third batches were able to produce twenty-five (25), twenty-three (23), and twenty-one (21) graduates respectively.

With Hon. Faustino V “Inno” A. Dy (Congressman, 6th District of Isabela) as guest speaker, the ceremony served as the culmination of the 10-day training of the graduates, awarding them with their certificates of completion and distributing their toolkits that included items such as wheelbarrow, shovel, pail, and knapsack sprayer.

“Kami naman po sa kongreso, syempre ginagawa namin ang lahat upang madagdagan nga yung pondo or upang bantayan na masiguro na tuloy-tuloy po ‘yung programang gaya nito sa TESDA at ‘yung suporta na rin para sa pamilya po ng ating mga farmers at pamilya nito sa Bayan ng Echague. Sa ating three batches ng TESDA program, congratulations po sa bawat isa sa inyo. Kami po’y proud na proud sa inyo. … mabuhay po kayo, at congratulations po sa bawat isa,”  Congressman Dy expressed in his message for the graduates.

As part of their response and appreciation, graduate representatives were asked to give their impressions on their overall experience during the training. Melody Ramones-Concepcion (STEP Scholar, Batch 2) thanked the training committee of the program for finding ways to equip them with knowledge and skills.

“We all know that preparing land leading to agricultural crops production is not easy, but with the information, skills, and examples given to us, I am or we are more confident na mas madaling pag-aralan at gawin ang mga ito,” Ms. Ramones-Concepcion said.

To show support and emphasize the importance of lifelong learning, Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President), duly-represented by Atty. Romano P. Cammayo (Vice President, Administration and Finance), urged the graduates to remember the profound responsibility that comes with the knowledge and skills that they have acquired.

“Beyond personal advancement, it is imperative that you recognize the role you play in bolstering communities and advancing sustainable development initiatives. May you continue to strive for excellence, uphold the value of integrity and service, and make a lasting difference in this world,” Atty. Cammayo delivered.

During the duration of the program, the students were sustained with a scholarship through the initiative of TESDA, Congressman Dy, and Hon. Maria Lourdes “Nancy” Binay (Senator, Republic of the Philippines).