At least 16 public utility drivers in Nueva Ecija were given the chance to enhance their skills which could help them gain employment and livelihood opportunities.

Through the “Tsuper Iskolar” program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the beneficiaries started to undergo free skills training for 34 days.

Nasrudin U. Talipasan, regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Central Luzon (LTFRB-3), said on Thursday the program beneficiaries are transport workers who were affected by the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“The program is aimed at providing our public utility drivers and their family members free training. This is part of the stakeholder support mechanism component of the PUVMP,” Talipasan said in a social media post.

The 16 program beneficiaries are now enrolled in the course Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I until Dec. 29.

Aside from free skills training, the program beneficiaries are entitled to a PHP350 daily allowance during the duration of the training as well as a PHP500 clothing allowance.

“After attending the training and passing the assessment, our “Tsuper Iskolars” will be issued a National Certificate (NC) that could help them in putting up other businesses, or landing other jobs,” he added. (PNA)