Maasim opens Center for Technical Excellence

MAASIM, Sarangani (February 17, 2010) – Government officials, academe and a private corporation led the groundbreaking ceremony here Tuesday (February 16) of the Center for Technical Excellence (CTE), a project “to harness the technical and entrepreneurial potentials of the youth in building a brighter and sustainable future.”

CTC is a joint project of the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Conal Holdings Corporation (CHC).

“Preparation for the future is a must for Maasim, especially with the coming of more investors here,” Governor Migs Dominguez said.

“I always believe that education is the best anti-poverty tool, and I would like to commend the local officials for really creating an environment where business people can prosper,” Dominguez said.

“As a response to such challenge, there is a need to promote entrepreneurship and a call for local skilled manpower,” the CHC brochure noted.

“We will sacrifice all other projects and put our resources where they are needed most, where we aim for excellence,” Dominguez said.

The center will be a part of the newly opened Mangelen Integrated School . Last year, Sarangani has opened 18 integrated schools in the different municipalities.

A hectare of land was donated by Mohmen Mangelen, a teacher in the said school, where the project will be built.

“The keyword here is excellence and we vow our support for this laudable project,” DepEd Regional representative Shirley Bulusan said.

The project has an initial budget of P1.8 million for the two-classroom building and P1.4 million for scholarships.

The CTE will offer NC-II courses in industrial welding, industrial electricity, pipe fitting, plumbing, masonry and carpentry for Maasim’s out-of-school youth.

CTE is a key component of Conal Holding’s community development program. The company will fund the construction of the building, acquisition of equipment and cost of training.

The Department of Education will administer the center while TESDA will design the curriculum and instructional materials for the school.

“Skills trainings are part of our preparation for Maasim as a progressive town while investments are flowing in,” Mayor Aniceto Lopez said.

During the event, a memorandum of agreement was signed among partners to establish and sustain the CTE. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)