Practical Skills Training. Over 90 Toledo residents receive free vocational training from AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Visayas, building local talent and welcoming new livelihood opportunities through industry-ready skills.
Toledo City, Cebu – More than 90 residents from Barangays Bato, Cabitoonan, Awihao, and other surrounding communities are acquiring practical skills in welding and scaffolding through a free training program. The initiative is collaborative between AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) and the Cebu Technological University–Pinamungajan (CTU).
The program aims to upskill residents and enhance their access to employment opportunities, including potential roles in the upcoming expansion of the TVI power plant.
Weekend training sessions are structured to prepare participants for National Certificate II (NC II) assessments, which adhere to TESDA standards and recognized industry practices. This certification provides pathways to various infrastructure projects within Toledo and other locations.
Gabrielle Padilla, TVI's Reputation and Stakeholder Management Manager, emphasized the broader impact of the program. "This isn't just about building a workforce for one project. It's about helping residents gain foundational skills and making learning opportunities more accessible. We’re glad to be working with CTU to support local talent development in Toledo.”
The program offers two main courses: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Scaffold Erection. These trades are crucial to helping address Toledo's infrastructure needs.
As of early June, 91 out of 123 registered participants have regularly attended. About 71% of participants are from Barangay Bato. SMAW trainees are required to undergo 272 hours of instruction, while participants for scaffolding training take 168 hours. Both groups are preparing for NC II assessments later this year.
Human capital development. Through free Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Scaffold Erection courses led by AboitizPower’s Therma Visayas and CTU–Pinamungajan, trainees are working toward TESDA NC II certification and more stable job prospects.
"The trainees are very fortunate because everything is already provided for them. All they need to do is attend the training," said CTU instructor Jecel Bueno.
“Through our partnership with TVI, we’ve strengthened our collaboration with the barangays and the wider community,” added Dr. Ramelito Almendras, CTU-Pinamungajan’s Extension Manager.
TVI covers the full cost of the program, from registration to assessment, and monitors trainee progress. CTU, a public academic institution, designs and delivers the courses, including instruction and certification.
The current group of trainees is expected to finish by September. The program has already generated notable interest, with requests for future training sessions in electronics, carpentry, masonry, housekeeping, and cookery, particularly from women.
"The electricity we generate lights up homes. But it’s opportunity — real, lasting opportunity — that powers communities and dreams," stated Engr. Noel Cabahug, Vice President for Facilities of Therma Visayas Inc.
This initiative is laying a foundation for communities to prosper through sustainable livelihood pathways, contributing to inclusive development and job creation in the province.
