BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Every journey begins with someone believing in your potential. For Josef, that journey started with the unwavering support of his family. Diagnosed with autism at the age of four, he grew up surrounded by encouragement, early intervention, and educators who embraced inclusion. With the help of his parents, teachers, therapists, and classmates, Josef learned not only academics but also the confidence and discipline that prepared him for life beyond the classroom. “When you first learn that your child has autism, it is not really easy, but I think what is important is acceptance.” shared Belette Vizcocho, Josef’s mother. He completed his studies in Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management at Saint Louis University before beginning his On-the-Job Training at Baguio Country Club. What started as an opportunity to gain experience became the foundation for a career built on dedication and perseverance. More than coworkers, they are a team. Josef (center) shares a joyful moment with his colleagues at Vizco’s Restaurant & Cakeshop, where collaboration and inclusion are part of everyday work.  Today, Josef has been part of the Vizco’s family since 2016, working as an assistant baker while also supporting kitchen operations and administrative tasks. Over the years, he has continued to grow professionally by participating in safety seminars, environmental training, and Basic Life Support certification, proving that learning does not stop after graduation. Outside of work, Josef enjoys biking, playing basketball, and expressing his creativity through photography. As a longtime participant of the Autism Society Philippines Baguio’s Colors of “A” Spectrum photography workshops and exhibits, his photographs have been showcased annually at SM City Baguio, celebrating the unique perspectives and talents of persons on the autism spectrum. Josef’s story is a reminder that meaningful opportunities, coupled with understanding and support, can empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. Reflecting on Josef’s inspiring journey, Arch. Jerico Bernardo, Mall Manager of SM City Baguio, shared that stories like his embody the values of inclusion and community. “At SM City Baguio, we value not only the businesses that are part of our community but also the inspiring people behind them. Josef’s journey reflects the power of acceptance, perseverance, and the opportunities that help individuals reach their full potential.” As Baguio’s most loved mall, SM City Baguio takes pride in celebrating the inspiring stories of its tenants and the people behind them. Josef’s journey is a testament to how acceptance, perseverance, and opportunity can open doors to meaningful possibilities.

By Florida B. Robles   LAGAWE, Ifugao, Philippines — The Visual Artists of Ifugao Creatives (IC) organization goes beyond borders as they joined the “Pastel Beyond Borders” exhibition organized by The Travelling Pastel Project (TTRAPP), a grassroots mobile art initiative, at Gateway Gallery in Quezon City. Launched on July 4, 2026, the exhibition brings together pastel artists from 10 grassroots communities across Bulacan, Ifugao, Cavite, Baguio, Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Ilocos Sur. The exhibition aims to showcase creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence while highlighting the unique stories and artistic expressions of participating communities. Representing Ifugao in the exhibition are seven locals: Patrick Abalos, Dasha Mae Codimo, Azumi Nhoelle, Marco Ananayo, Jillian Rivera, Valentines, and Christian Noel Huagon. Their artworks are also available for purchase. Heidi Guiniling of the Department of Trade and Industry-Ifugao also attended the exhibition in support of the province’s creative industry and the agency’s continued commitment to empowering local creatives and promoting cultural entrepreneurship. IC Vice President Jiya Bogwana said  that the participation of the Ifugao visual artists “reflect the growing strength and diversity of Ifugao’s creative community and showcases the province’s artistic voice on the national stage.” The exhibition will run for two weeks, with all artworks available for purchase. The Ifugao Creatives organization extended its heartfelt gratitude to “The Travelling Pastel Project, especially to the Chairman and Maestro Julius Legaspi and his dedicated team of volunteers, for their vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to growing pastel communities across the country.” “By initiating this remarkable project and opening its doors to artists from different regions, TRAPP has given Ifugao artists a meaningful platform to learn, create, and share their stories alongside fellow pastel artists from across the country,” the IC organization stated. Bogwana shared that TTRAPP also conducted free  Pastel Project workshops in the municipalities of Aguinaldo, Mayoyao, and Kiangan in 2025. These workshops opened opportunities for local artists to discover and develop their skills in the pastel medium, creating a platform where stories of home could be translated into color, texture, and light. Hygeia “Maya” Dulnuan, president of the Ifugao Creatives organization and the Mayoyao Artists Guild, coordinated the workshops. (JDP/FBR, PIA-CAR, Ifugao with reports from Jiya Bogwana)            

Every dream begins with an opportunity For many students, pursuing higher education comes with challenges that can make the journey seem uncertain. Yet with determination, family support, and access to opportunities, those dreams can become reality. Through the SM Scholarship Program, countless young Filipinos have been given the chance to continue their education and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. For Ivy Concepcion, that opportunity changed the course of her life. Years ago, Ivy was an SM Scholar striving to complete her studies and create a better future. Today, she walks through the halls of SM City Baguio not as a scholar, but as a Tenant Relations Officer, becoming part of the workforce of the very organization that once supported her educational journey. Her story is a testament to how a single opportunity can create a lasting impact. “Natulungan ako na makapag graduate sa gusto kong course na Civil Engineering, super grateful kasi natulungan kami ni SM na maitaguyod yung buong college ko and hindi lang yun natulungan niya din ako na magkatrabaho….” said Ivy. Looking back, Ivy credits the scholarship for helping ease the financial burden on her family and allowing her to focus on her studies. More importantly, it gave her the confidence to pursue her goals and believe that her aspirations were within reach.               Today, she takes pride in being able to give back through her work, knowing that she was once a student who simply needed a chance to succeed. While Ivy’s story reflects the impact of the scholarship program years later, another young dreamer is just beginning her own journey. Rose Atelba, an incoming SM Scholar, represents the next generation of students whose lives may be transformed through education. Filled with hopes for the future, she sees the scholarship as an opportunity to pursue her dreams while helping her family along the way. “As an SM Scholar, pagbubutihin ko po ang pag-aaral ko and maging inspiration sa mga ibang kabataan na wala ring pang pa-aral and huwag tayo mag stop kahit ano man ang pagsubok na darating sa atin kasi there is always another blessing…”   Behind every scholar is a family that shares in the journey. For Rose’s father, the scholarship is more than financial assistance. It is a source of hope and reassurance that his daughter can continue her education and work toward the future she envisions for herself. Like many parents, he dreams of seeing his child succeed and believes that education remains one of the greatest gifts that can help shape a better future. These stories reflect the heart of the SM Scholarship Program. Beyond providing educational support, it creates opportunities that ripple through families and communities, opening doors that may have once seemed out of reach. According to Ar., Jerico Bernardo, Mall Manager of SM City Baguio, investing in education is one of the most meaningful ways to help communities grow and thrive. “Through initiatives like this, we are not only supporting individual scholars but also contributing to the development of future professionals and leaders who will eventually drive progress in the community…” The scholarship program not only supports students in achieving their academic goals but also helps nurture future professionals, leaders, and changemakers who will one day contribute to their communities. From a scholar who has become part of the SM family, to a student preparing to take her first steps toward her dreams, the stories of Ivy and Rose serve as reminders that opportunities can change lives. As Baguio’s most loved mall, SM City Baguio continues to support programs that empower students, strengthen families, and create pathways toward a brighter future. Because sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to inspire a dream, transform a life, and create a story worth sharing. (PR)    

Growing up, Shaina Mae Miranda Suguitan realized that money was not something that came easily. She was one of the former beneficiaries of the Cash-for-Work Program (CFWP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). Her mother sold vegetables and fruits at the market in Rizal, Kalinga, while her father worked as a farmer and carpenter. At the end of the day, she would count their earnings. She studied a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree at Kalinga State University (KSU). When she graduated, she was ready to work. What she was not fully prepared for was how difficult it would be to get hired. She sent out applications, went through interviews, and kept running into the same requirement: at least one year of work experience. For someone who had just finished school, it felt like a door that would not open. Rather than wait, she took the first opening available. She worked at the Municipality of Rizal as a Job Order (JO) employee, first assigned to the Persons with Disability Office (PDAO) where she assisted clients and helped with office tasks, before moving on as a Data Encoder at the Municipal Operations Office (MOO) in Rizal, Kalinga. She settled into the work quickly. The job required attention to detail and a willingness to learn systems and processes she had not encountered before. She got to know the staff, learned how the program operated at the municipal level, and began to understand the broader purpose behind the paperwork and the field visits. However, in June 2025, JO contracts at the Municipality were put to a halt. Funding ran out, and she and the other JO workers were let go. It was not unexpected, short-term contracts always carried that risk. It left her without income and back to looking for work. What happened next changed the course of things for her. She applied for the KALAHI-CIDSS CFWP through KSU, a program under DSWD that provides temporary employment and livelihood opportunities to qualified graduates and students. She was selected and deployed at the MOO in Rizal for 50 working days, beginning on 2 June 2025. This time, she was no longer under the Local Government Unit, she was now a CFWP beneficiary under DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS. It meant she could continue working with the same team, doing meaningful work, while receiving financial assistance during a time when she needed it most. “It was a privilege to be one of the beneficiaries of the Cash-for-Work Program that helped improve my skills, personal development, confidence, and gain more knowledge,” Shaina shared. She assisted Community Empowerment Facilitators (CEFs) during seminars and workshops, helping with participant registration and photo documentation to keep records complete and updated. As part of her work, she was required to conduct field visits and engage directly with community members, listening, observing, and helping facilitate processes that were part of larger community development efforts. But her service went beyond KALAHI-CIDSS, she also assisted in Social Pension (SocPen) payouts, serving as a verifier to help ensure that the right beneficiaries received their assistance. She helped with the distribution and retrieval of Compliance Verification (CV) Forms for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), going through the process carefully to support accurate compliance monitoring. Whenever she had the opportunity, she also assisted clients of the PDAO, helping them secure their IDs and get registered in the system, a small but meaningful task for people who often had difficulty navigating government processes on their own The cash assistance she received from CFWP went where it was most needed. She paid the water bill, bought groceries for her family, and set aside a portion for herself as she continued to look for stable employment. It was not a large amount, but it covered the gaps and kept things steady at home while she figured out her next steps. But her future was already taking shape. The months she spent with KALAHI-CIDSS had given her more than just clerical skills. She had learned how to community organize; how to facilitate discussions among community members with varying needs and concerns; and how to support people in identifying and working toward solutions to their own problems. She had learned to manage her time even when the workload piled up or the weather made field visits difficult. She had built relationships with the staff and the communities they served, and she understood, in a way that only comes from direct experience, what the Program was actually trying to do. “I am now knowledgeable on community organizing because of the technical assistance provided during the conduct of the series of meetings, mobilizing and empowering the community members for them to be advocates of social change,” she said. Now employed as CEF deployed in Kabugao, Apayao, her work involves facilitating community meetings, supporting barangay-level processes, and assisting communities as they go through the KALAHI-CIDSS program. “I never imagined that a Program meant to help me would also be the same Program that would open this door for me. What made me want to stay and apply is the work itself, seeing how it really helps communities, how it empowers people to speak up and find solutions for themselves. That is what I want to be part of,” Shaina said. For other fresh graduates who are struggling to land their first job, her message is simple: “Do not be discouraged if they say you lack experience. Find any opportunity that will let you learn and grow, even if it is not yet your dream job. Use it to build yourself. The experience you gain, the people you work with, the communities you serve, those things will carry you further than you expect,” she said. For KALAHI-CIDSS, Shaina is both a product and a practitioner of the work it set out to do. She came in as someone who needed support, and she leaves as someone who gives it, carrying

As School Year 2026–2027 begins, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), is welcoming students back to something better. In the weeks leading up to the school opening, the company mobilized employees, resources, and local partners through Brigada Eskwela initiatives across its host communities nationwide — repainting classrooms, repairing facilities, and putting new learning materials in place so that students could walk through the school gates and into spaces that were safer, better equipped, and ready for a new year. Across 31 public schools and three Schools Division Offices in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Aboitiz Renewables provided over PHP 529,000 worth of support — covering paint, construction and electrical materials, school supplies, water pipes, and school garden materials, among others. Working side by side with teachers, parents, local government representatives, and community partners, the initiatives directly benefited the learners, with each activity shaped by the specific needs of the school community it served. In the Cordillera, six schools — including Bodiweng Elementary School, Ampucao National High School, and Bakun National High School — received paint, LED bulbs, brushes, rollers, and protective equipment, giving classrooms in the highlands a fresh start ahead of the school opening. Closer to Manila, the Makban Geothermal Power Plant host communities span Bay and Calauan in Laguna and Sto. Tomas in Batangas brought out 63 volunteers for a hands-on activity day at Sta. Elena Elementary School, where four classrooms and shared areas were repainted. Paint and construction materials were also distributed to 10 other schools in the area — among them Bitin Elementary School, San Pedro National High School, and San Jose Elementary School — as well as three Schools Division Offices, reaching classrooms that needed support beyond what a single activity day could cover. In Tiwi, Albay, 44 volunteers turned up at Putsan Elementary School to repaint its 10-classroom Edna Sanchez Building and improve other areas of the campus. Materials and manpower support were extended to eight other schools in the area as well, from Tiwi Central Elementary School and Car-Nag Elementary School to Libjo, Biyong, Cale, and Belen Elementary Schools. “The support from Aboitiz Renewables played an important role in the success of our Brigada Eskwela activities. Volunteers participated in cleaning, repairing, and beautifying different areas of the school — helping accomplish improvements that would have been difficult to complete with our limited resources alone,” said Cynthia C. Competente, Master Teacher 2 and Teacher-in-Charge of Putsan Elementary School. Rounding out the nationwide effort, Bontongon Elementary School, Lingion Elementary School, and Maluko National High School in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao received painting, electrical, plumbing, and construction materials — meeting the ground-level needs that teachers and community partners had identified ahead of the new school year. From the highlands of the Cordillera to the classrooms of Bukidnon, each initiative looked different on the ground — but pointed toward the same thing: giving students a school year that starts well. “Every child who walks into a well-prepared classroom is one step closer to reaching their full potential. We believe that today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders, and that helping schools open their doors ready for students is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the communities we serve,” said Alexander B. Coo, Chief Operating Officer at Aboitiz Renewables. “When employees, teachers, parents, and community partners come together the way they did this Brigada Eskwela, the impact goes far beyond fresh paint — it is an investment in every young person who is only beginning to discover what they are capable of.” Through Brigada Eskwela and its broader community programs, Aboitiz Renewables continues to work alongside host communities in support of public education — because a brighter school year is the beginning of a brighter future.

CORDILLERA, Philippines — Hope often reveals itself in the quiet strength of ordinary people. For Alfred Chullag, a Pag-abot beneficiary,  hope became the light that carried him through years of hardship. Settled in the mountains of a small rural neighborhood in Barangay Dontogan, Baguio City, Alfred’s story represents one of perseverance. Through every struggle, he remained steadfast—a man whose resilience became the foundation of his family’s success and a better future. Alfred Chullag was born in Bontoc, Mt. Province but was raised in Zambales where his father worked as a miner at the Akoje Mining Company. He lost his eyesight due to a severe case of measles at the age of three, a condition shared by his wife, Aurelia Balittle, who in 2019 married Alfred after being widowed in 2015. Due to their underlying conditions, it makes it challenging for them to find a regular job. Alfred has previously completed training in massage therapy, however this skill did not translate into viable work due to his physical frailty and weak hand strength limiting him from performing tasks required in that field. This has led to Alfred’s frequent busking in the public streets which he did for more than 10 years especially along Session Road regardless of his safety, visual disability, advanced age and the local government’s prohibition against such activities. His persistence to continue busking stems not from the disregard of the regulations but from the pressing need to provide for his family. Alfred also lives with step-son, Aurelmar, who continues to pursue his education in accordance with his parent’s wishes despite their difficult circumstances. His days living on the streets living off busking were about to come to an end when on 07 May 2025, he was approached by a team from the Pag-abot Program during a profiling and reach-out activity. Through the intervention of the Pag-abot’s social workers, Alfred expressed his desire to receive appropriate support to avoid returning to street-based activities and improve his living conditions. Alfred received financial assistance from  the program amounting to PhP 10,000.00 which signified his start to a more dignified quality of life. Alfred’s situation improved after the Pag-abot Program reached out and assessed his family’s needs. He received PhP 60,000.00 worth of Livelihood Assistance, which enabled his family to start a rug-making business and eventually expanded into a LPG and water-retailing business. Alfred also received assistance from DSWD’s partners including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which provided trainings in Basic Bookkeeping, Financial Literacy and Business Registry Assistance and Processing. These initiatives helped provide the knowledge and skills Alfred and his family need to sustain and expand their livelihood despite their disability and economic situation. Looking back at the time he spent on the streets to where he is now, Alfred shared: “Pagyanamak iti dagitoy DSWD Pag-abot Program ta tinulungan dak met uray kaskasanu, ada met iti kasla ma-irikrikos met nga pagalalaen ti kwan nu awan pay kurang nga kwan ket inararereg da ken kasta met agyamanak met kadakayo nga social worker nga nang tulong ken dakami ta nu awan kayo ket siguro talaga nga rigak, haan mi amo ti pangalaan mi ti kwa. (I am very thankful for the Pag-abot Program for helping me by providing the means me and my family need to live and for the investment for our business. I am also thankful for the social workers of the Pag-abot Program who helped me. Without them I would still be experiencing hardship because even through busking we were not able to live off of that.)” Alfred hopes to inspire his fellow beneficiaries still living in the streets. “Dakayo met nga kakadwak nga kwan, haan kayo nga madanagan ta nu bilang man ada met ti mangkwan kadakayo tulungan dakayo dagitoy DSWD Pag-abot Program tapnu nu kasta ket haan tayo unay marigatan. ‘(To my fellow beneficiaries and visually impaired, do not worry because there is always help like the DSWD Pag-abot Program who will make sure that we do have a hard time living.)’” Alfred Chullag’s journey is a testament that hope can still be found even in the most difficult circumstances. From spending years surviving through busking on the streets despite his disability and old age, he and his family are now slowly building a more stable and dignified life through perseverance, community support, and the assistance provided by the Pag-abot Program. Further, Alfred and Aurelia are now active members of a Persons with Disabilities organization in the city, demonstrating their commitment to community engagement and support. Alfred’s story is a reminder that the struggle for daily survival can turn into an opportunity for growth, self-reliance, and renewed purpose, with the right support such as the Pag-abot Program. #Sky P. Aguinaldo, Project Development Officer II  

  Over the years, Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and its partners have walked together with communities to meet the changing needs in the education sector. These efforts now align with the key priority areas (KPAs) identified by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). Foundational Learning Functional literacy, or the ability to understand and apply what one reads, is essential to learning. When this is not developed early, students find it more difficult to succeed across subjects. Recognizing the importance of strong literacy skills in a child’s learning journey, MBFI partnered with Binhi English Literacy Foundation, Inc. to implement an after-school remediation program that helps kindergarten and Grade 1 learners strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. The program delivered strong learning gains, with kindergarten learners improving by an average of 63.6% and Grade 1 learners by 53.3%, both exceeding the 30% to 50% target. Learners developed key foundational skills such as letter recognition, phonics, spelling, and early writing. Another important building block of learning is numeracy. To help learners overcome fear and build confidence in working with numbers, MBFI launched the Metrobank Foundation SOLUTION (Support for Optimal Learning & Understanding To Improve Overall Numeracy) last year. It promotes learner-centered approaches that address gaps in numeracy, strengthen understanding, and reduce math anxiety. In its pilot implementation at San Miguel Heights Elementary School in Valenzuela, the program recorded strong results—achieving a 26% average increase in numeracy scores, with 95.4% of students showing improvement. It also helped reduce math anxiety among 64.2% of learners, alongside increased confidence and participation in class. Learning Resources and Equipment In many public schools, especially in remote areas, there is a shortage of basic learning materials and equipment. To help address this, the Foundation and its partners have provided learning kits, printed and digital modules, and equipment such as photocopiers, radios, and computers. In 2021, MBFI, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), donated printers to 45 public schools in the School Divisions of Laguna, Iloilo, and Davao del Norte, as well as to selected schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA). To date, more than ₱8.4 million worth of learning equipment and supplies have been provided, enabling more effective teaching and expanding students’ access to learning materials. Learning Spaces Beyond learning materials, school facilities also play a key role in student learning. The Foundation supports the construction of classrooms, libraries, and reading spaces to improve learning conditions, including a ₱11.5 million pledge to DepEd this year for classrooms in last-mile schools. Safe and healthy school environments are also essential for consistent learning. In partnership with Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Foundation, Manila Water Foundation, and World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (WVDF), MBFI provided ₱1.8 million to build handwashing facilities in schools and communities nationwide, especially in underserved areas. These help promote better hygiene, reduce illness, and support regular school attendance. Teacher Empowerment The National Teachers’ Month (NTM) movement, led by the Foundation since its launch as the “Teachers’ Month Campaign” in 2008, continues to recognize the vital role of educators in nation-building. Through partner-led initiatives, it provides opportunities for recognition, engagement, and professional support. These efforts help sustain teacher morale and reinforce the importance of the teaching profession in improving learning outcomes. Supporting Priority Areas in Education While strengthening early literacy is a key focus, the Foundation’s efforts span the broader education system. It supports early childhood development through grants and feeding programs that help prepare children for school readiness, including nutrition interventions for pregnant and lactating mothers and children aged 0–5—grounded on the critical first 1,000 days of life for brain development and lifelong learning. Together with partners, these initiatives have benefited thousands of mothers and young learners. At the tertiary level, scholarship programs such as the Metrobank Scholarship Program continue to support college students through financial assistance and mentorship. For over 30 years, thousands of scholars have been supported, with 150 new scholarships to be awarded across 15 partner universities this school year.       As the country confronts a deepening learning crisis, MBFI continues to work hand in hand with partners to deliver evidence-based solutions that empower learners, support teachers, and strengthen communities.    

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — For the past 10 years, Kevin has quietly become part of the everyday rhythm of the workplace through his role as a freight elevator operator. As a Person with Disability (PWD), Kevin admitted that there was once a time when he doubted his own capabilities because of his condition. Like many others living with disabilities, opportunities did not always come easily, and there were moments when he questioned whether he could keep up in a work environment. But through the opportunity given to him, he slowly gained confidence not only in his work, but also in himself. Over the years, he shared that one of the reasons he stayed in his job for a decade was because he felt safe, respected, and treated equally in the workplace. Beyond simply having a job, he found an environment where he felt accepted and valued for what he could contribute. He reflected that before working, he often focused on the limitations brought about by his disability and did not fully realize his own abilities. However, years of experience and encouragement helped him see that he was capable of doing meaningful work and becoming part of a team. Kevin also expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to work and build a stable livelihood, sharing how the experience became an important part of his personal growth and confidence. His story reflects how access to opportunities can create a meaningful impact, especially for individuals who simply need a chance to prove their capabilities. More than employment, it becomes a source of dignity, independence, and self-worth. PWD Affairs Office (PDAO-Baguio) Disability Affairs Officer III Dr. Samuel Aquino also expressed his appreciation for companies that continue to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to work and become active members of the community. Aquino expressed hope that inclusive employment opportunities may continue to grow, not only for persons with physical disabilities, but also for individuals with psychosocial disabilities who are equally capable of contributing when given proper support, understanding, and opportunity. He emphasized that creating more inclusive workplaces allows more individuals to become productive, confident, and empowered in their own ways. Through stories like Kevin’s, workplaces such as SM City Baguio continue to show how simple opportunities can create lasting impact, opening doors for people to discover their strengths, build confidence, and find a sense of belonging in the workplace and community while reflecting its commitment to being the most loved mall among the communities it serves.  

By Robinson Cabardo Jr.   CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines (PIA) — A 22-year-old Talisay City resident has found new livelihood opportunities after completing a bread and pastry production course under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Trexcy E. Montillano, a resident of Barangay Lawaan and a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Talisay City College, said she decided to apply after a neighbor shared positive experiences from enrolling in the same program. “I have a neighbor who applied for the scholarship at TMJ, and she shared with me her good experiences where she learned new skills from the training, which pushed me to also apply for the scholarship program,” Montillano said. Montillano enrolled in Bread and Pastry Production training under TWSP despite the course being outside her degree field. “My college course is not really aligned with bread and pastry; however, I wanted to learn baking skills, which pushed me to apply for TWSP and gain new skills in bread and pastry production,” she said. “I immediately grabbed the opportunity to learn other skills that I could use to enter other fields of work, while also receiving an allowance, which helps ease my expenses,” Montillano added. Training for Work Scholarship Program The TWSP is one of TESDA’s flagship scholarship programs, providing free technical-vocational training to improve Filipinos’ employability, livelihood prospects, and overseas job opportunities. The program covers free training, competency assessment, and certification, and a training support fund of P160 per training day. The allowance amount varies depending on the course duration. TESDA Cebu Provincial Director Carlito F. Quintano said there were 7,700 TWSP graduates in Cebu in 2025, with 5,300 approved slots available for 2026. “In TWSP, applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify since the program is intended for employment and the minimum legal age for regular employment is 18 years old,” Quintano said. TESDA scholars receive training support fund allowances from the TESDA Cebu Provincial Office under the Training for Work Scholarship Program. (Photo from TESDA Cebu Facebook page)  For 2026, TESDA Cebu received 5,300 approved TWSP slots with a total budget of P122.96 million. As of April 2026, 2,332 slots remained available in Central Visayas, with P55.99 million in remaining funds. The TWSP expansion in Cebu is part of a broader national push for technical-vocational education. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited TESDA’s training facilities in Taguig City on Oct. 10, 2025, reaffirming the administration’s priority for skills development. TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez has said 2026 marks the biggest budget in the agency’s history, enabling expanded training and scholarship programs across the country. Quintano said while most slots go to bread and pastry production, TESDA is also expanding into upskilling courses in the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), with new programs for semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. Training duration varies by course: Bread and Pastry Production requires 140 hours, driving and massage therapy require 120 hours, and healthcare-related courses require 960 hours. TESDA has urged interested applicants to contact its offices or any accredited training center to inquire about available slots, application requirements, and enrollment procedures. “This scholarship allocation is ongoing. We are currently accepting scholars — you can visit our TESDA offices in Cebu or go to any accredited training center for further details. We still have available slots, so please take advantage of these opportunities, as this can help you in your future employment,” Quintano said. From December 2025 to January 2026, Montillano completed a month-long training program at TMJ Technology Skills Training Institute Assessment Center in Talisay City, where she acquired practical skills in bread and pastry production. After completing the program, Montillano received a Bread and Pastry National Certificate II (NC II) from TESDA, which she said has helped her pursue better employment and livelihood opportunities. While helping her sister run the bread business, she is also looking for employment. “TWSP has really helped me a lot. The biggest impact is the new skills I learned, which I can use for employment, livelihood, or other job opportunities. At the same time, I also received an allowance that served as financial support,” Montillano said. She urged students to explore technical-vocational training through TESDA. “For students who want to explore other skills or engage in different fields, I urge you to apply for TESDA’s TWSP because it offers great opportunities and you can really learn actual skills through hands-on training. Just focus on the training because it will really help you in your future employment or if you want to establish your own business,” she said. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)