The province of Northern Samar this week formally took off its partnership with the DSWD and the Technical Services Development Authority (TESDA), in the implementation of the Cash-for-Training Program (C4TP) for Youth in the locality. This makes Northern Samar as the first province in the region to launch this national scholarship program, which is implemented by way of a training package for the needy youth.

In the program, which became the regional launching, Provincial Governor Paul Daza told the 628 youths of the province to be “sincere” in participating in the program. “Don’t surrender,” he advised them, saying there are lots of opportunities awaiting the scholars after they complete the vocational training of their preference.

Daza pointed out that should these beneficiaries wish to be self-employed, they can avail of capital assistance from the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), or in the “30 microfinance institutions of the province.” Otherwise, the Governor said, he can help them for job placement in multi-national companies in Manila.

On the other hand, DSWD Eight Assistant Regional Director for Administration, Virginia Idano, thanked the cooperation of the provincial government – “for giving importance to the program.”Northern Samar was the first to comply with the requirements.

She said, there will be re-orientations soon to be conducted and to be participated in by local social workers, youths, and service providers regionwide.

Idano also bared that these scholars have the chance to work abroad, if they pass the competitive examination. She cited the preferences of the youth in what technical vocational training to undertake, namely – automotive servicing, agricultural crops production, beauty care services, and computer hardware servicing, among others.

Meanwhile, TESDA Regional Director Cleta Omega inspired the youths by saying, “It’s not only technical competence that matters. The government is investing in you for you to become productive members of society. Bring out the best in you ! Hold your head high, and say – I am a DSWD-TESDA C4TP graduate!

The DSWD Field Office Eight undertook the profiling and recruitment of the recipients, with the support of the local government units.

The C4TP provides cash in the form of a training voucher, toolkits, assessment fee and allowance in the total amount of Php20,000.00.   The TESDA and its authorized training providers conduct the training.