The College of Technology and the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management worked in synergy in an extension program offered to teachers of the Department of Education–Schools Division of Ilocos Sur.

The said program is a training and pre-assessment on the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Competencies for the Technology Livelihood Education (TLE), Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL), and Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) teachers. Held at the Bantay East Central School and the College of Technology, it runs February 16, 17, 23, 24, and March 2, 2024.

The collaborative effort between the DepEd Division of Ilocos Sur and the University of Northern Philippines represents a significant stride towards inclusive development, underpinned by a commitment to gender equality and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This partnership aims to upskill the teachers’ skills and their students’ workforce readiness through a tailored five-day training, mentoring, and pre-assessment program in the National Certification (NC) in Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing (EPAS) Level 2, Automotive Servicing Level 1, Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) Level 2, and Food and Beverage Services NC Level 2.

By integrating gender-sensitive approaches, the program ensures equitable access to skill enhancement opportunities for all educators. It also emphasizes the importance of quality education as a catalyst for sustainable development, while underscoring the critical role of innovation and infrastructure in advancing vocational training.

Furthermore, the program addresses climate change by incorporating environmentally sustainable practices into the curriculum in the subjects the teachers are handling.

The opening of the said program was graced by Dr. Joel B. Lopez (Schools Division Superintendent) and Dr. Jhowell T. Pilotin (Education Supervisor for TLE/TVL). Also present were Dr. Julius Moises S. Albalos (CTech dean), Prof. May Evelia V. Ruadap, and Ms. Claudette Rabago (coordinators of the University Extension Office).