BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

In support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call to provide skills development training for Filipinos, Education Secretary Sonny Angara joined the Department of Tourism (DOT) in launching the Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program in Aurora. 

Spearheaded by President Marcos, Jr. and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the initiative aims to provide financial aid and skills training to tourism workers affected by recent calamities. 

During the BBMT launch in Aurora, PBBM, Secretary Angara, and Secretary Frasco personally awarded training grants to 1,197 displaced tourism employees in the province. 

Beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to participate in alternative livelihood workshops such as bread and pastry making, detergent and candle production, hilot (traditional massage), beadwork, and massage oil making. 

“Malaking bagay talaga ang ganitong mga inisyatiba ng pamahalaan para mas matulungan ang ating mga kababayang nasa industriya ng turismo. Ganoon din ang hangarin natin sa DepEd—na maibigay ang skills development training sa ating mga mag-aaral para mas mapaunlad at magamit nila ang kanilang kakayahan,” Secretary Angara said. 

Parallel to this initiative, the Department of Education (DepEd) has been working with other government agencies to ensure that Senior High School (SHS) graduates, particularly those in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track, are equipped with career-ready skills. 

DepEd recently partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide free national certification assessments for TVL graduates—helping validate their competencies and enhance their employability. The Department has also engaged with private schools, technical-vocational institutions, and industry partners nationwide in developing the Strengthened SHS Program to produce future- and job-ready Filipinos. 

Under the TVL track, the Department also offers Home Economics specializations for Senior High School learners who wish to pursue careers in hospitality, management, and tourism industries through the Tourism Promotion Services NC II program. 

“Ipinapaabot natin ang ating pasasalamat kay PBBM para sa kaniyang taos-pusong suporta sa mga Pilipinong tunay na nangangailangan ng tulong ng pamahalaan. Masuwerte rin tayo na dito mismo sa ating probinsiya inilunsad ang programang ito—na kilala rin sa iba’t ibang magagandang tourist destinations,” Angara added. 

*All Photos from DepEd