A Promising Future for TESDA Scholars of Cong. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales Awaits the GIST Graduates of Cookery and Bread & Pastry NC II

About one hundred scholars of Cong. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales enrolled at Gateways Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) Kalentong, Mandaluyong Campus attended the TESDA Scholars Assembly and Graduation Rites on December 7, 2023 at the Mandaluyong College of Science & Technology Gymnasium.

The gym was filled with excitement as these scholars successfully completed the required 316 hours of skills training for the Cookery and 141 hours for the Bread and Pastry NC II qualifications under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP). With the guidance and supervision of GIST’s competent trainers Mr. John Rudolf Tolentino and Ms. Editha Domingo, these scholars are now equipped with the necessary skills and are ready to either join the industry workforce or start their own businesses.

In partnership with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), the event was graced by the young and energetic District Director of PaMaMarisan, Dir. Gerty Pagaran, who gave a short but impactful message. She reminded the audience that the scholarship grants and allowances should not be regarded as ‘ayuda’ (financial assistance). According to her, it’s more of an investment wherein scholars would eventually reap the benefits by becoming gainfully employed. Dir. Pagaran also made the conferment of the graduates.

Tagged as Pagtatapos: TESDA Scholar 2023 Ni Cong. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales, the occasion became extra special when the man behind the livelihood initiative himself, Cong. Boyet Gonzales arrived and delivered his message before the total of 490 scholars from the 10 partner training institutions. In his message, he said that education is the top priority amongst his number of programs and advocacies. He also emphasized the importance of going beyond employment. He urged each scholar to become entrepreneurs and be the boss of their own businesses. He also gave the TVIs an assurance that the partnership will continue until next year until further notice.

Also present during the event were Ms. Lee Chan, Scholarship Coordinator of the Office of Cong. Neptali M. Gonzales, representatives of the partner TVIs including Ms. Donna Remitar, GIST Kalentong Campus Head, and the official representatives of NCR Regional Skills Competition:  Jenny Ramos (Restaurant Serlvices) & Marc Daniel Dagon (Cooking).

Cong. Boyet proudly announced that these two students of GIST are the representatives of the city of Mandaluyong and the whole district of NCR in the Regional Skills Competition, which took place last December 18-20 at the TESDA Women’s Center.

GIST Mandaluyong’s students are now Gold Medalists and the official delegates of NCR for the National Skills Competition.