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