• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod is pushing for the enhancement and expansion of technical-vocational courses at the Bacolod City College (BCC) to meet the demands of the city’s workforce and industries.
The strengthening of technical-vocational education and training (TVET) courses at the BCC will provide Bacolodnons, especially those from marginalized families, with immediate pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and higher wages, thereby reducing unemployment and poverty in the city, said Councilor Em Ang, who authored the resolution approved by the SP.
She noted that industries and business establishments in Bacolod “continue to report skills gaps and shortage of technically-trained personnel, which hampers productivity and investment.”
TVET programs play a critical role in equipping students with job-ready skills in high-demand sectors, such as construction, welding, automotive, electrical, electronics, computer systems servicing, food service, healthcare services training, and other priority industries identified by Tesda and local employers, Ang said.
The BCC, being the city’s premier institution for accessible, quality higher education, produced graduates, who directly contribute to Bacolod’s workforce and economic growth, so the city government should prioritize funding, partnerships, and programs that will upgrade the school’s TVET workshops, laboratories, and equipment to industry standards, she added.
There is also a need to align new and existing TVET courses with Tesda national certificates and current industry demand; provide scholarship grants, tool kits, and allowances for TVET students; and forge linkages with local industries for apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and job placement, the resolution, co-authored by councilor Bobby Rojas, stressed. | CGC
