The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), through its Regional Offices (ROs), Provincial Offices (POs) and Technology Institutions (TTIs) was able to gather a total of 990 packs of relief goods for the evacuees in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite, as of January 20, 2020.

In response to the damages caused by the Taal eruption, TESDA Batangas is set to conduct short-term skills training for the evacuees so as to expand their business and job prospects, and ensure their continued productivity despite the calamity.

Other TTIs are also directed to conduct short-term training for the target beneficiaries across the province.

Meanwhile, TESDA Cavite has installed a number of photovoltaic (PV) solar lights in its respective evacuation centers.

The ROs, POs and TTIs were able to gather gallons of water, sacks of rice, canned goods, clothes, blankets, hygiene and dental kits, including diapers for immediate delivery to Batangas and Cavite.

The agency has also raised a total of Php 114,755.00 as monetary donation for the said beneficiaries as of January 18.

Last week, several TTIs employed the training-cum-production training scheme and were able to mass-produce thousands of face masks and pastries which have been delivered to the affected areas in the region. "I'd like to assure our kababayan that TESDA is here to assist them as they try to rebuild their lives.

Whether they want to learn new skills for a new job, or start a new livelihood, TESDA is ready to help them,” Secretary Isidro Lapeña said.