AN initial batch of 200 tricycle drivers will get scholarships from TESDA. ROMAN PROSPERO

“We are here to serve. It’s just a matter of telling us your problems.”

With President Rodrigo Duterte telling the above to tricycle drivers and operators associations (TODA) in a meeting this week, various government agencies met to flesh out programs for the said sector.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) provided an initial 200 scholarship slots to the National Capital Region (NCR)-TODA Coalition to enhance the skills of its members and augment their income as tricycle drivers.

Further talks between Tesda and NCR-TODA Coalition will be held to determine the most suitable training programs, its beneficiaries and training venues.

The NCR-TODA Coalition has 965 TODA organizations under its umbrella.

Among the national government agencies that participated in the TODA Summit at the Cuneta Astrodome were Tesda, Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare Development, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Energy, Department of Internal and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Cooperative Development Authority.

During the summit, participating national government agencies set up booths at the venue to entertain queries that the members of the TODA may have regarding their respective programs, projects and services.

Tricycle drivers are regarded by Tesda as part of the informal sector which can further benefit from the agency’s assistance.