Benitez stressed the necessity of equipping local government personnel with the competencies needed to address emerging environmental challenges.
"Environmental sustainability begins with empowered communities equipped with the right skills. Through this partnership, we are developing a competent workforce that can lead local solid waste management efforts, promote circular economy practices, and help build cleaner, greener, and more resilient communities. This is how technical education translates into meaningful change for every Filipino," Benitez said.
Under the agreement, TESDA, the city government of Naga and CCFEL Philippines will implement the SWMO Level III Training Program for qualified participants from the city.
Implemented under the Trash Free Pilipinas Program, the training initiative covers planning and supervising solid waste management operations; overseeing personnel engaged in waste management activities; implementing occupational safety, health, and environmental work practices; managing resources; and, strengthening workplace leadership and communication skills.
The first batch of 25 barangay and environmental officers from Naga City was inducted into the competency-based training during the event. Participants will also undergo site-based learning at the Naga City sanitary landfill facility to gain hands-on experience in waste management operations and resource recovery practices. The training will be facilitated by trainers from the Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences.
Implemented under the TFP Program, the SWMO Level III Training Program supports TESDA and CCFEL Philippines' efforts to provide standardized competency-based training that equips local government units with the skills to improve ecological solid waste management.
For her part, Mayor Robredo expressed the city government's commitment to further advancing its solid waste management initiatives through capacity-building and continued collaboration with TESDA and its partners.
Likewise, CCFEL Philippines, a long-standing TESDA partner under the TFP Program, highlighted the role of skills development in promoting responsible waste management through its partnership with TESDA, underscoring the importance of collaboration among the national government, local government units, and the private sector in building cleaner and more sustainable communities.
