TAGUIG CITY - TODAY, March 26, 2021, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) officially signs a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with a Right of Usufruct with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) in a virtual ceremony conducted live via Zoom Video Teleconference.

Prior to this event, it can be recalled that TESDA and LLDA signed a Contract of Lease for two (2) hectares out of thirty-two (32) hectares of land situated at Barangay Bangyas, Calauan, Laguna on March 14, 2018

As amended by the Republic Act No. 4850, it is a national policy to foster and develop the growth of the Laguna Lake area and neighboring provinces, cities, and villages within the context of national or regional programs and strategies for socioeconomic development.

Pursuant to this amendment, the MOA does not only benefit TESDA. The two parties shall also serve the community through collaborative and coordinated projects, activities, and partnerships that will assist the fisherfolks and other stakeholders in gaining livelihood opportunities. The MOA aims to bring about sustainable change that goes beyond meeting an immediate need of the community.

The usufruct right arrangement also protects the right of the LLDA as the owner of the property giving TESDA exclusive right of access to the property. It shall be used for the TESDA-LLDA Training Center, TESDA Laguna Provincial Office, Dormitory, Training Area and Facility, and TESDA IV-A Regional Office.

TESDA Director General/ Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña and LLDA General Manager Jaime C. Medina signed the agreement.

Officials of TESDA are also present in the said event namely: Deputy Director General on Partnerships and Linkages Aniceto D. Bertiz and TESDA IV-A Regional Director Toni June A. Tamayo.

This undertaking will be considered as one of the best practices of TESDA - LLDA partnership with the intent to replicate similar agreements in many other government units. Beyond that, their partnership also serves the communities’ best interests.

The event also paved the way for a MOA signing between TESDA and the President and CEO of Pilmico Foods Corporation, Tristan Roberto C. Aboitiz, and Sebastian C. Quiniones, Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. who also shared their messages in the event.