New KEITECH grads to fill skilled workers gap in Region 8Eighty-nine graduates of the special curriculum offered by the Kananga-EDC Institute of Technology (KEITECH) are ready to help in the rebuilding of Yolanda- and Ruby-affected areas in Eastern Visayas. The third batch of trainees passed the assessment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for electrical installation and maintenance, plumbing and carpentry.

KEITECH’s special curriculum is part of the “enhanced CSR programs” committed by Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) for the rebuilding of Leyte and other areas devastated by typhoons Yolanda and Ruby.

“We are helping the LGUs address the shortage of skilled manpower for the rebuilding project. We have accepted applicants from other cities and municipalities in the province and not just those from Ormoc and Tongonan, which are the host communities of our geothermal project. EDC is committed to actively support OPARR’s efforts in meeting the pressing needs as well as enhancing the long-term welfare of our adopted communities in Leyte,” KEITECH president Paul Aquino said.

Aquino added that KEITECH aims to graduate more than 1,000 trainees under the new curriculum, with all of them acquiring TESDA certifications by January 2016.

KEITECH, a joint project of EDC, the municipality of Kananga and TESDA, has so far produced 285 graduates out of the 350 target for the three batches. (Story by Jessel Mosquera)