Today (October 12, 2018), 40 Indigenous People enrolled in the Bread and Pastry Production NC II of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) joint project graduated at the Data Center College of the Philippines.

There were 19 IP’s enrolled for the first batch who were trained in ten days and another 21 for the second.

Aside from certificates of completion, the graduates also received P 1000.00 as daily allowance during the ten-day training, one portable electric oven, measuring cup, and a mixing bowl.

In his speech, NCIP Abra Provincial Officer Genesis Quiblado acknowledged the efforts of other agencies such as TESDA in the share of their mandate.

“As we officially close your training, let us also open the gateways to different opportunities in life-not only did you bake bread and cake, but more importantly, you start baking a brighter future for yourself, for your family, the IP community, and the nation as a whole,” Mr. Quiblado added.

“We did not give you a fish for a day but we taught you how to fish so that you will have something to eat for the rest of your lives,” said Acting Regional Director Manuel B. Wong of TESDA-CAR.

“A journey of a thousand steps starts with a single step,” Wong added.

Personnel from the Philippine Army, PNP, DTI, Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Presidential Management staff also graced the occasion.