TACLOBAN CITY – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Leyte is expanding training opportunities for childcare workers through the launch of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Services NC III qualification, aimed at building a larger pool of competent practitioners across the province.
TESDA Leyte Provincial Office launched the program in partnership with the provincial government of Leyte and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), marking a step toward strengthening the province’s ECCD workforce.
The competency-based technical-vocational program is designed to equip trainees with nationally recognized skills in providing quality care, protection, learning support and holistic development for children during their formative years.
TESDA Leyte official Engr. Enrico Banario said at least 250 ECCD workers are expected to participate in the initial implementation, including daycare workers from Tacloban and Ormoc cities.
As part of the launch, TESDA distributed Training Support Fund (TSF) allowances to 25 scholars comprising the first batch of enrollees from Arc Angelus Civitas School Inc. Each scholar received an initial P2,200, with the remaining amount to be released upon completion of the training.
The financial assistance is intended to help scholars defray expenses related to their training and encourage them to complete the ECCD Services NC III qualification.
Three technical-vocational institutions were also recognized for implementing the program: Arc Angelus Civitas School Inc., Asian Development Foundation College Inc., and Saint Clare Polytechnic School of Burauen Inc.
Banario encouraged local government units to establish their own training facilities to accommodate more ECCD workers, noting that the three institutions currently offering the qualification may not be able to accommodate the entire workforce.
Leyte has more than 40 local government units and over 1,600 barangays, underscoring the need for additional training centers across the province, he said.
TESDA said investing in ECCD is an investment in the future of Leyte’s children, as competent practitioners are essential in providing safe, inclusive and developmentally appropriate care and learning support.
The initiative also addresses the growing demand for qualified ECCD practitioners while expanding access to skills training responsive to community needs.
Banario said TESDA Leyte remains committed to expanding skills development opportunities and strengthening partnerships that support the province’s workforce and community development priorities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
