As part of its mission to help improve the quality of life of the communities where they operate, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) partnered with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Region VI (TESDA) to train qualified community members on skills required in the water utility industry.
The partnership was sealed during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the Training-toEmployment (T2E) Program– a Supervised Industry Learning (SIL) skills-work connect program which provides skills training in Plumbing, Welding, Masonry, Construction Trades, and employment support to participants to help them obtain sustainable employment.
Newly assigned TESDA Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr., in his message, emphasizes that this partnership with MPIW will help the trainees gain employment right after the training. “Our collaboration with MPIW will help the trainees develop their skills in applying theory to practical knowledge through industry immersion. Thus, trainees will be able to secure their employment and livelihood after their training”
The signing was attended by representatives from MPIW, TESDA Region VI, and members of the Barangay Local Government Units of Barangay Bolong-Oeste, Sta Barbara, Barangay San Rafael, Manduriao and Barangay Ungka, San Isidro, Jagorin and Sambag in Jaro, Iloilo City which will be the beneficiaries of the T2E pilot run starting June 2023.
Metro Pacific Iloilo Water Chief Operating Officer Robert Cabiles shared that the company is grateful for the partnership with TESDA. “We believe in collaboration and continuous learning development – through partners such as this, we create solutions that help uplift the lives of our communities by improving employment opportunities while building a better water infrastructure system for Iloilo”
Mr. Porferio C. Celestial, Training Center Administrator added that the agreement will provide a platform for the trainees to help them transition smoothly into the workforce. The identified beneficiaries who are part of MPIW’s T2E Batch 1 will undergo technical-vocational training in the qualifications Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I and Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II in the Regional Training Center-Iloilo. Welding is an essential skill during pipe leak repairs of MPIW.
T2E is part of MPIW’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program dubbed as “TaTAP Ilonggo” which has four components including Health, Environment, Livelihood, and Skills Building.
TaTAP, which means “to care” in Hiligaynon (with emphasis on TAP which is a source of water), aims to create a positive social impact through the provision of clean and safe water, and a continuous working partnership with the communities it serves.
