BALER, Aurora – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) celebrated Earth Month with a series of Green Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) activities that promote environmental responsibility and climate change awareness.
TESDA Aurora Provincial Director Nomer Pascual said the initiative aims to integrate sustainable practices into technical vocational education, highlighting the role of TVET not only in fostering employability, but also in promoting ecological stewardship.
“Green TVET nurtures a culture of environmental consciousness among trainers, students, and partner institutions, equipping them with 21st century skills and knowledge needed to address pressing climate challenges,” Pascual explained.
One of the key activities was a climate change seminar, which gathered TESDA personnel, trainers, TVET partners, and students to build capacity and deepen awareness on environmental protection, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.
A coastal clean-up was also conducted along the shorelines of Baler and Dipaculao, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to preserve marine ecosystems.
In addition, a vegetable planting project was also launched within the TESDA Provincial Office compound to promote urban gardening and sustainable agriculture among personnel and trainees.
These activities are part of TESDA’s broader commitment to green development, anchored on Circular No. 5 issued in August 2018, which provides guidelines for greening the TVET system in the Philippines.
This led to the development of training regulations on various green technologies and practices, such as pest management, photovoltaic systems, hydroponics, vertical gardening, carbon emissions monitoring, and seaweed farming. (MJSC/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)