By Stephanie Nicole Peligman
MANKAYAN, Benguet, Philippines – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA CSITE) and Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC) reaffirmed their commitment to enhance industry-based technical training during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on October 24, 2025, at the Labaan Executive House in Lepanto, Mankayan, Benguet.
The event brought together key officials and representatives from both institutions. Present as witnesses were TESDA CSITE Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon, TESDA CSITE Main Campus Administrator Melita D. Pinic, LCMC Administrative Services Group Manager Rolando D. Ursua, and LCMC Human Resource Department Head Nelson L. Baguya II, along with other department heads and representatives from both sides. The MOA bears the names of the authorized representatives of both institutions and was formalized with the support of those who attended the ceremony.
The partnership establishes a shared commitment to advance skills training, competency assessment, Supervised Industry Learning (SIL), and employment facilitation for trainees and graduates in priority technical and trade sectors. These include Metals and Engineering, Construction Trades, Automotive Trades, Electrical Trades, and Welding Trades. The collaboration is also expected to strengthen the Supervised Industry Learning component of TESDA diploma programs by providing learners with hands-on experience that reflects the needs of the current labor market.
Under the terms of the agreement, TESDA CSITE will take the lead in developing and registering competency-based training programs, conducting assessments, and ensuring learner welfare and insurance coverage throughout the training period. LCMC, on the other hand, will provide training venues and facilities and support in-plant training through the provision of meals, accommodations, and designated coordinators to supervise industry immersion activities.
The three-year agreement represents a continuing partnership between the government and private sector to align technical-vocational education and training (TVET) with industry requirements, thereby improving employability and productivity among workers in the Cordillera region.
