THE City Government of Tagbilaran has been honored with the 2025 TESDA National Kabalikat Award, recognizing its strong and sustained commitment to advancing technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in the city.
The award was received by City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar, representing Mayor Jane Yap, during ceremonies held on November 24, 2025, at the Philippine Trade and Training Center in Pasay City.
The National Kabalikat Awards are given annually by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to institutions, organizations, and partners that have made notable contributions to expanding skills development opportunities for Filipinos.
Tagbilaran City was cited for its comprehensive and multi-agency approach to TVET, which has broadened access to job-ready skills and paved new pathways for employment and livelihood among residents.
Central to these efforts is the city’s collaboration with TESDA through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), which has been instrumental in implementing community-based and scholarship-supported training programs.
One of the most impactful programs is the TESDA-funded Driving NC II Scholarship, which provides free driving training and road safety education to qualified applicants, helping them secure employment in logistics, transportation, and service industries.
PESO has also previously partnered with TESDA-accredited providers to offer cookery, hospitality, and food service programs to job seekers and displaced workers.
Similarly, Tagbilaran’s City Youth Development Office (CYDO) has facilitated multiple TESDA and TVET availments for out-of-school youth (OSY), supported by partnerships such as USAID’s Opportunity 2.0 Program and other TESDA scholarship initiatives.
These programs have enabled OSYs to train in vocational courses, earn national certifications, and transition to employment, further education, or entrepreneurship—significantly reducing barriers to economic participation among youth.
Mayor Jane Yap welcomed the award as a reflection of the city’s long-term development strategy.
“This recognition affirms our belief that skills training is a direct investment in our people. By providing more opportunities in TVET, we are opening doors for employment, entrepreneurship, and improved quality of life for Tagbilaranons. We thank TESDA for its unwavering partnership in strengthening our city’s workforce,” she said.
The City Government emphasized that the award serves as encouragement to expand its skills training portfolio further, including additional scholarship slots, higher employability support, and stronger collaboration with industry partners.
With the recognition from TESDA, Tagbilaran City consolidates its position as a Boholano leader in workforce development and inclusive economic growth.
