GRADUATES. A total of 261 scholars under the "Tsuper Iskolar" program of the government were conferred their National Certification after the completion of their training program during the graduation rites on Jan. 14, 2023. The scholarship program is aimed at assisting families of public utility drivers and operators affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). (Photo courtesy of TESDA-Benguet) LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - A total of 261 beneficiaries finished different technical and vocational (tech-voc) courses through the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) "Tsuper Iskolar" program. "The short courses the scholars took can usher opportunities to start a small business, gain employment as an entrepreneur or as an industrial worker," Jimmicio Daoaten, assistant regional director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Benguet said in a phone interview on Monday. He said the 261 beneficiaries received their National Certification (NC) in rites held in a school in this capital town on Jan. 14. "Their NC certifies the skill that they were trained on. The NC is a certificate that is recognized not just here but overseas if they plan to get an overseas job," the official said. The PHP6-million scholarship program of the DOTr aims to provide skills and economic assistance for stakeholders affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). Daoaten urged the graduates to develop, utilize, enhance and become experts with the new skills acquired. Among the new and now available skills created by the scholarship are Heavy Equipment Operator (Wheel Loader) NC II; Heavy Equipment Operator (Hydraulic Excavator) NC II; Bookkeeping NCIII; Driving NC II; Bread and Pastry Production NC II; and Slaughtering Operation (Swine) NCII. During the graduation rites, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-CAR director Lalaine Sobremonte said the "Tsuper Iskolar" was implemented as a support mechanism for the families affected by the PUVMP. The scholarship program that started in 2022 is based on the training needs assessment conducted by the DOTr for the additional livelihood of the affected families. The scholars received a PHP350 daily allowance aside from a training cost, assessment fee, new normal allowance, uniform allowance, insurance, and training support fund. (PNA) }