TESDA to launch P1.3-B 'Anti-tambay' program for out-of-school youth

Written by Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon | 07 August 2012

The government will launch an out-of-school youth training program worth P1.3 billion to encourage the youth to become self-employed individuals and in the process, remove away from non-productive activities.

"This is also known as an Anti-tambay program to encourage the youth to become self-employed workers upon completion of their training," said Secretary Joel Villanueva, director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA).

Villanueva, who was in this city last week to update stakeholders of TESDA programs, said at least 6,000 slots for the training program have been allotted for the Ilocos Region.

He said the program is now being finalized for immediate implementation.

Under the program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and their provincial counterparts would be in charge of identifying qualified out-of-school youths who will undergo the training.

After an assessment of their capabilities, the OSYs would be given starter kit allowances amounting to P6,200 each.

On top of the kits, they are also entitled to P20,000 in scholarship and P6,000 in additional allowance to be given in tranches.

Villanueva said it will be the DSWD's task to monitor the release and use of the funds that are allocated for each OSY.

"This is also to allay fears that the training program is not a political strategy of the government. The politicians will not have a hand in this program," he said.

Villanueva said the program will also complement the provincial government's Task Force Trabaho program which Gov. Imee Marcos launched after her second State of the Province Address earlier this month.

"Once our youths completed their training, they will now be qualified to apply for various job opportunities that the provincial government has started offering," he said.

The TESDA is expanding its community-based programs to ensure that more people land on jobs that the communities need.

It ensures that those who undergo TESDA training are immediately employed. (JCR/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)