The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority formalized an agreement on Friday, fortifying the two agencies' partnership on skills development for beneficiaries of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and TESDA Deputy Director General Vidal Villanueva, representing Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, sealed a Memorandum of Agreement that will provide skills training and education to housing program beneficiaries of the government.

During the MOA signing, Secretary Acuzar expressed his gratitude to TESDA for the support the agency is extending to the "Pambansang Pabahay", especially focusing on the underprivileged.

"Ang paglagda natin ng Memorandum of Agreement para sa skills training ng mga beneficiaries para sa Pambansang Pabahay ng ating mahal na Pangulo… ay malaking bagay po para sa ating mga kababayang poorest of the poor," Secretary Acuzar said.

The housing czar also reiterated the call of President Marcos Jr. for government instrumentalities to come together to revitalize the country as one, by extending necessary support to the marginalized.

He emphasized the President's marching order, that is, "ibigay lahat ng tulong… hindi lamang basta pabahay, kundi pati na rin livelihood para sa ating beneficiaries."

The MOA between DHSUD and TESDA is expected to fill in the gaps in existing industries in areas where the beneficiaries of housing projects are located.

Under the MOA, DHSUD is tasked to gather data on the preferred skills of beneficiaries and provide TESDA with the list of participants for the training, among other related responsibilities.

"Sisiguraduhin natin na akma ang makukuhang training ng ating mga beneficiaries para makapagtrabaho sa mga industriyang malapit sa kanilang pagbabahayan…naniniwala po ako na bigyan lamang ng tamang oportunidad ang Pilipino, kakayanin nito na tumayo sa sariling paa at umunlad ang kabuhayan," Secretary Acuzar added.

For his part, DDG Villanueva vowed TESDA's all-out support in carrying out the provisions of the MOA, particularly on facilitating and conducting community-based training, assessment, and certification of identified beneficiaries.

TESDA will also provide other forms of technical assistance as necessary, subject to government rules and regulations.

The MOA signing was among the highlights of the National Shelter Month 2023 culminating activity with Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Kiko Benitez, along with key shelter agency heads and TESDA officials, as guests.