Rep. Javi Benitez Joins TESDA STEP Graduation, Pushes Skills Training for Long-Term Livelihoods

April 10, 2026

Negros Occidental Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez joined the graduation ceremony of the 2025 Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), underscoring the importance of skills training in building sustainable livelihoods, April 10. In his message, Rep. Benitez highlighted the need for government programs that go beyond short-term assistance and instead equip individuals with the capacity to support themselves. “Magluwas sa mga bulig pinansyal, material, kag mga serbisyo publiko nga makasabat sa mga kinahanglanon sa short-term gid lang nga paagi, dapat nga maghatag man sang solusyon ang gobyerno nga makabulig sa mga pumuluyo nga mabuligan ang ila nga mga kaugalingon sa paagi nga mas malawig, sustainable, kag self-accountable,” he said. The lawmaker emphasized that empowering individuals through training leads to stronger and more resilient communities. “Mas mangin mabakod ang aton nga mga komunidad kon ang tagsa ka mga pamilya may mga miyembro nga may nagakadapat nga skills kag training agud maka-produce sang income,” Rep. Benitez shared. A total of 100 scholars, 75 from Animal Production (Swine) NC II and 25 from Poultry (Chicken) NC II were recognized during the ceremony, held in partnership with San Isidro Labrador Agricultural and Farm Field School, Inc. Graduates also received toolkits from TESDA to help them start their own livelihood initiatives. Furthermore, Rep. Benitez pointed out the broader impact of skills development in addressing systemic challenges. “Mangin empowered, self-reliant, kag economically independent ang mga pumuluyo nga mas makabulig sa pag-transform sang aton nga mga komunidad into a progressive, strong, and independent societies,” he said. He encouraged the graduates to take full advantage of the opportunity given to them and to build on the skills they have acquired. “May masanag nga buas-damlag, pero ara sa aton kamut ang pagbukas sa sini nga kasanag,” the Representative said. The STEP program is part of TESDA’s continuing efforts to expand access to technical-vocational education and training, particularly for communities in need, as part of the government’s push for inclusive growth. *

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