TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The TESDA-Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA-CSITE) Executive Office and CSITE Kalinga Campus successfully conducted the CSITE Project Orientation and Stakeholders’ Forum on August 6, 2026, at the Golden Berries Hotel and Convention Center under the theme, “Connecting Partners, Creating Opportunities.” Despite the suspension of government work due to Typhoon Maymay, the activity proceeded as scheduled, demonstrating CSITE’s commitment to strengthening partnerships for workforce and skills development.
The forum gathered representatives from local government units, national government agencies, industry partners, and stakeholders, together with officials from the CSITE campuses across the Cordillera, to strengthen collaboration and align technical-vocational education and training (TVET) initiatives with Kalinga’s workforce and economic priorities.
CSITE Kalinga Campus Administrator Sherwin C. Bali welcomed the participants, while Atty. Clefford A. Pascual, Acting TESDA Kalinga Provincial Director, emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in expanding opportunities through the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET), Micro-Credential Courses, and the Train Lokal Initiative.
Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon presented CSITE’s accomplishments, strategic direction, and priority initiatives, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to delivering industry-responsive and accessible TVET across the Cordillera. Aurelia A. Sanet, Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Kalinga, likewise presented the province’s industry and enterprise development outlook, highlighting the need to align TVET programs with current and emerging industry demands.
An open forum provided stakeholders the opportunity to identify local workforce needs, exchange insights, and explore collaborative initiatives for responsive and industry-driven TVET programs.
Among the participating partners were the Provincial Government of Kalinga, represented by Ermilinda P. Wandag, PESO Manager; Atty. Silvestre A. Mosing, Municipal Mayor of Pasil; executive officials Mr. Felipe S. Catriz and Mr. Andy Angdason from the Municipal Local Government Units of Pinukpuk and Tinglayan; Councilor Alex Ladwingon of Tanudan; and representatives from the private sector, including BMJ Builders, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing workforce and skills development in the province. The successful conduct of the forum underscored TESDA-CSITE’s unwavering commitment to forging stronger partnerships that create greater opportunities for learners, support local industries, and contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of the Cordillera region.
