𝐒𝐂𝐌𝐓𝐀𝐂 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬

Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur – The Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center (SCMTAC) assisted in the facilitation of a Candle Making Skills Training for the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of Santa Cruz on August 19, 2025, held at Sweet Miles Haven Restaurant, Tagabuli, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur.

A total of 23 women participants took part in the training, which aimed to provide them with additional livelihood opportunities while strengthening their capacity to become more resourceful and productive in their communities.

This training was funded by the 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗚𝗔𝗗) 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, reflecting the local government’s commitment to empowering women through community-based training programs that enhance skills and support sustainable income-generating activities.

The SCMTAC continues to uphold its mission of delivering relevant and practical skills training, ensuring that community members—especially women—are given opportunities to explore alternative sources of livelihood and contribute to family and community development.

𝐒𝐂𝐌𝐓𝐀𝐂 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐦𝐜𝐡𝐢 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐠𝐩𝐨𝐠, 𝐒𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐧, 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳, 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫

Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur – The Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center (SCMTAC) assisted in the facilitation of a Kimchi Skills Training held today, August 14, 2025, at Sitio Pogpog, Barangay Sibulan, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur.

The training gathered members of the local women’s group, aiming to equip them with practical skills in preparing kimchi — a popular Korean fermented dish — as a potential source of livelihood. This hands-on learning experience is part of the Community-Based Training program, which brings skills development opportunities directly to communities.

The activity was funded by the Gender and Development (GAD) Division and conducted in collaboration with the Provincial Training Center – Davao del Sur, which provided an expert trainer to ensure quality instruction and guidance for the participants.

Through the joint efforts of SCMTAC, GAD Division, and the Provincial Training Center, the training not only promoted culinary skills but also encouraged entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among women in the community.

This initiative reflects the commitment of SCMTAC to support sustainable skills development and livelihood opportunities, especially for women, as part of its mission to strengthen the local workforce through accessible and relevant training programs.

𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫

 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

The Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center (SCMTAC) was established to address the growing need for accessible, high-quality skills training within the municipality of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. Its primary mission is to enhance the skills, knowledge, and employability of individuals—particularly those from marginalized sectors—by providing industry-aligned training programs and competency-based assessments.

The center stands out as the first Local Government Unit (LGU)-run training center in Davao del Sur officially registered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This milestone underscores SCMTAC’s dedication to upholding national training standards while fostering a skilled and competitive workforce.

The journey towards operational readiness began between July to September 2023, marked by meticulous planning and groundwork preparation. During this stage, a significant benchmarking activity was conducted in Davao Oriental, in alignment with TESDA’s objectives and regulatory framework. This activity brought together key stakeholders, including PESO/SCMTAC personnel, TESDA Davao del Sur staff, and municipal officials, notably Hon. Atty. Charlotte F. Gallego, Chairperson of the Committee on Education.

In October 2023, SCMTAC achieved a critical milestone when its official TESDA registration was approved. The momentum continued in November 2023 with the formal signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), attended by Hon. Jose Nelson Z. Sala, Sr. (Municipal Mayor), TESDA Provincial Director Dir. Remegias G. Timonio, Hon. Atty. Charlotte F. Gallego, and other distinguished officials from TESDA and PESO/SCMTAC. This event symbolized the united commitment of all partners to strengthen skills training and employment opportunities in the municipality.

Today, SCMTAC offers five TESDA-registered programs—Events Management Services NC III, Bookkeeping NC III, Driving NC II, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, and Tourism Promotion Services NC II—catering to the diverse needs of both the local labor market and aspiring workers.

𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

Over the course of its development and operations, SCMTAC has implemented best practices that have contributed to its success and reputation for quality training delivery:

𝟭. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

1.1 Careful preparation before the center’s launch ensured compliance with TESDA standards and alignment with local economic needs.

1.2 Benchmarking activities provided valuable insights into best practices from established training institutions.

𝟮. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

2.1 Regular coordination with TESDA, the LGU, and other agencies fosters shared responsibility and resource pooling.

2.2 Close partnership with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) strengthens the link between training and job placement.

𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵

3.1 Programs are designed to be inclusive, targeting marginalized individuals and providing them with practical, in-demand skills.

3.2 Training venues are brought closer to communities through outreach and mobile training initiatives.

𝟰. 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆-𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀

4.1 Courses offered are aligned with labor market trends and local industry demands, ensuring graduates possess employable skills.

4.2 Continuous curriculum updates keep the programs relevant to evolving industry requirements.

𝟱. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

5.1 TESDA-accredited assessment processes ensure that trainees meet national competency standards.

5.2 Feedback from both assessors and trainees is used to improve future training cycles.

Through these best practices, SCMTAC continues to fulfill its mission of empowering individuals, boosting employability, and contributing to local economic growth. The center’s story is one of vision, collaboration, and community impact, and it remains committed to expanding opportunities for all who seek to improve their skills and livelihood

𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐢𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐨

 The Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center (SCMTAC) successfully assisted in the facilitation of a Community-Based Skills Training on Chayote Pickles for the women of Tibolo, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. The training was held on August 12, 2025 at the Bagobo Cultural Village, Tibolo, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur.

This one-day training was funded by the Gender and Development (GAD) Division, headed by Miss Daphne Kim Solamo, as part of its commitment to empower women through livelihood opportunities. To ensure quality and expertise, SCMTAC coordinated with the Provincial Training Center – Davao del Sur, headed by Mr. Faustino Barette, Jr., which provided a skilled trainer to conduct the session.

The program aimed to equip the participants with practical knowledge in chayote pickle production, enabling them to transform locally grown produce into marketable products. This initiative serves as a preparation for their future livelihood ventures, contributing to the economic empowerment of women in the community.

As part of its Community-Based Training Program, SCMTAC continues to bring skills development directly to the barangays, fostering self-reliance, income generation, and sustainable community growth.

SCMTAC ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 is proud to introduce its structured leadership and dedicated team members who play essential roles in ensuring the efficient operation and delivery of high-quality training programs. Headed by the esteemed 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒍 𝑫. 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓, the center is committed to providing top-tier vocational training and assessments to meet the growing demands of the workforce.

Supporting Miss Serenatas in the administration of the center is 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑨. 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒓. Together, they work diligently to maintain smooth operations, ensure compliance, and uphold the quality standards required for the center's success.

In addition to the leadership team, the center is equipped with a dedicated group of non-teaching staff and on-call trainers, all working together to support and deliver the various training programs offered. Each member of the team plays a crucial role in fostering a professional, welcoming environment that helps learners achieve their educational and career goals.

The Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center currently offers five registered programs that are in high demand in today's workforce:

𝟏. 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐂 𝐈𝐈

𝟐. 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐂 𝐈𝐈

𝟑. 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐂 𝐈𝐈

𝟒. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐂 𝐈𝐈𝐈

𝟓. 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐂 𝐈𝐈𝐈

These programs are designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and certification needed to excel in their respective fields. As the center continuously evaluates industry trends and market needs, we are planning to expand and introduce additional programs that will further cater to the demands of both the local and global workforce.

At the Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the essential skills that will enable them to succeed in their careers, ensuring that they are prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving job market.

We look forward to continuing our mission of providing high-quality education and training while expanding our programs to better serve the needs of the community and industry.

𝑺𝒂 𝑻𝑬𝑺𝑫𝑨, 𝑲𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒈-𝒌𝒂𝒚𝒂!

𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒛!

“𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖 𝘾𝙧𝙪𝙯 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣”

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐒𝐂𝐌𝐓𝐀𝐂 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐂 𝐈

𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨

The Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center (SCMTAC), under its Community-Based Training Program, has officially commenced training on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I. The training is being conducted in partnership with local stakeholders as part of the center’s continuing commitment to bring quality technical-vocational education closer to the grassroots level.

What makes this training more impactful is the inclusion of some participants who are beneficiaries of the Philippine Government’s Probation Program, administered by the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA). These individuals, who are currently undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration, are being given an opportunity to acquire skills that can help them rebuild their lives, gain employment, or start their own livelihood ventures.

The training covers essential competencies in basic welding techniques, safety practices, and proper equipment handling, all aligned with TESDA’s Competency-Based Training standards. It also reflects SCMTAC’s dedication to inclusive education—one that uplifts, empowers, and reintegrates.

As part of their training output, the participants are tasked to fabricate a steel fence, which will be utilized in future municipal activities and community events. This practical application not only reinforces their skills but also serves as a contribution to the local government—a meaningful way of giving back to the community.

The program is a testament to how skills development can be a powerful tool for transformation, rehabilitation, and social inclusion, bridging gaps and opening doors for individuals who are striving to change their lives for the better.

The Santa Cruz LGU, through SCMTAC, continues to uphold its vision of empowering communities by making training accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of its people.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐎𝐧-𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐂 𝐈𝐈 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐖𝐒𝐏, 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐎 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦, 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳, 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫.

"𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑨𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔"

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝘇 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 (𝗦𝗖𝗠𝗧𝗔𝗖), proudly announces the on-going training on Organic Agriculture Production NC II, under the 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗧𝗪𝗦𝗣), in partnership with 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. This program is part of the center’s continuous efforts to empower local communities by promoting sustainable farming practices and providing inclusive access to technical-vocational education.

The training commenced with an enthusiastic group of scholars composed of 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗼𝘂𝘁-𝗼𝗳-𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵, 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. Through this course, participants are learning the principles and practices of natural farming, including organic crop production, raising organic farm animals, composting, and integrated farm systems.

The Organic Agriculture Production NC II is aligned with the national goal of promoting safe, healthy, and environmentally sustainable farming techniques. It also supports the local government's advocacy for food security and livelihood development, especially in rural and farming communities.

The program is delivered by TESDA-certified trainers through a competency-based training approach, combining classroom lectures, hands-on farm work, and community demonstrations. Upon completion, trainees will undergo competency assessment and may receive a National Certificate (NC II) in Organic Agriculture Production, increasing their chances of employment or starting their own agribusiness.

This TWSP-supported training is free of charge for qualified beneficiaries and includes training allowances, Free Assessment Fee and learning materials.

SCMTAC remains committed to advancing quality skills development that is responsive, inclusive, and community-driven—a strong step forward in building self-reliant and productive citizens in the Municipality of Santa Cruz.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐖 𝐍𝐂 𝐈 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒛, 𝑫𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒖𝒓 — The Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center is currently conducting an ongoing Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I training as part of its Output-Based Training initiative. This hands-on program is designed not only to build technical competencies but also to produce tangible outputs that serve the needs of the local government.

The output of this particular training—a steel fence—will be utilized by the General Services Office of Santa Cruz in various LGU-related events, showcasing the practical value of skills training in supporting government operations and infrastructure development.

While SMAW NC I is not part of the Center’s registered training programs, it falls under the Community-Based Training and Enterprise Development (CBTED) initiatives. This training is made possible through the active leadership of Miss Maria Cheryl D. Serenatas, who serves as both the Community Training and Employment Coordinator (CTEC) and Center Administrator of the Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center.

Miss Serenatas emphasized the importance of community-based programs like this, stating that “CBTED allows us to bring technical education closer to the grassroots, empowering our local residents with employable skills while contributing to the municipality's needs.”

It is also important to note that SMAW NC I is a prerequisite for individuals wishing to enroll in SMAW NC II. This requirement ensures that trainees gain a strong foundational knowledge and skill set before advancing to more complex welding competencies.

Through programs like this, the Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center continues to support skills development, promote local employment, and contribute to the growth of community enterprises.

"Empowering Santa Cruz through Quality Skills and Education"

LOOK | Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center Successfully Audited by TESDA XI

The Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center has successfully undergone an audit conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on June 25, 2025. The audit was part of the agency's regular compliance and quality assurance procedures.

While there were several observations and findings noted during the evaluation, the center has expressed full commitment to address and comply with all the necessary documentary and material requirements to ensure complete adherence to TESDA standards.

This accomplishment is a reflection of the collective effort, dedication, and hard work of the entire Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center family, led by the ever-dedicated Center Administrator, Miss Maria Cheryl D. Serenatas.

Congratulations to the whole team for a job well done! Our heartfelt thanks also go to the auditors from TESDA XI for their guidance, support, and professionalism throughout the process.

Together, we remain committed to delivering quality technical-vocational education and training for the betterment of our community.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐃𝐀 𝐗𝐈 – 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐓𝐖𝐒𝐏 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬)

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region XI – Davao del Sur officially released the first tranche of the Training Allowance on April 30, 2025, at the Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center Building.

The allowance was granted to scholars enrolled in the Organic Agriculture Production NC II program being conducted at the Demo Farm in Balalan, Zone II, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. This program is part of an allocated scholarship by TESDA to the Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center, aimed at supporting the training and development of local individuals in the field of sustainable and organic farming.

This initiative reinforces TESDA’s commitment to providing accessible and inclusive technical-vocational education and skills training, contributing to rural development and sustainable agriculture in the community.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 (𝐏𝐄𝐒𝐎), 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur successfully conducted a Management Review to evaluate and strengthen the delivery of its core services and special programs. The review focused on the performance and progress of key service areas, namely:

1. Employment Facilitation

2. Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center (SCMTAC)

3. Special Programs for Employment and Livelihood

The meeting opened with a warm welcome and the rationale shared by PESO Manager Maria Cheryl D. Serenatas, who emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration in delivering effective employment and skills development services to the people of Santa Cruz.

Following the opening remarks, Ms. Katherine Tabay, Labor and Employment Officer II, gave a comprehensive report and updates on the Employment Facilitation Program, which includes job matching, job fair implementation, and referral services.

The next presentation was delivered by Ms. Janica Rose A. Calipes, representing the Santa Cruz Manpower Training and Assessment Center (SCMTAC). She discussed the center’s accomplishments in training delivery, program expansion, community-based outreach, and the alignment of courses with TESDA standards and labor market demands.

After the presentations, the floor was opened for an Open Forum, allowing stakeholders to raise concerns, share suggestions, and discuss areas for improvement across all program components. The session fostered an engaging exchange of ideas and collaborative input from different staff and partner representatives.

The activity concluded with a Target Setting and Planning Session to establish concrete goals and strategies for the upcoming year. The PESO team, along with its partner units, committed to strengthening coordination, improving service delivery, and ensuring inclusive access to employment and livelihood opportunities for all sectors of the community.

This management review marks another step forward in PESO Santa Cruz’s commitment to quality service and its vision of empowering lives through employment and skills development.