Ten persons with disabilities (PWDs) began their Barista NC II training on March 11, 2026, at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority โ Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA-CSITE) Main Campus in Military Cut-off, Baguio City, as part of efforts to promote inclusive skills development and employment opportunities.
The 23-day training program, which runs until April 17, involves six women and four men and is designed to equip participants with both basic and core competencies in the food and beverage sector.
To support inclusive learning, the City Government of Baguio, through its Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), provided an interpreter for participants who are deaf and mute, ensuring accessibility throughout the training.
Participants are being trained in workplace communication, teamwork, occupational health and safety, and professionalism. They are also gaining hands-on experience in preparing and serving manually brewed coffee, espresso preparation, milk texturing, basic equipment maintenance, and customer service.
The training is aligned with the recent opening of the PWD Livelihood Center and the Orchidarium Cafรฉ at the Baguio Orchidarium on March 18, 2026, which now serves as an economic hub for PWDs. The initiative provides trainees with opportunities to apply their skills in a real-world setting and contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
The program is a collaborative effort between TESDA-CSITE and the PDAO, led by Dr. Samuel Aquino, and reflects a shared commitment to empowering PWDs through accessible technical education and workforce integration.
Through initiatives such as this, TESDA-CSITE continues to advance inclusive growth by equipping marginalized sectors with relevant skills and expanding their access to employment opportunities.