Six women from the Province of Dinagat Islands are stepping into a trade that has long been treated as “men’s work” after completing training for TESDA’s Masonry National Certificate (NC) II.
The training was held June 15 at TESDA’s provincial training center in Dinagat Islands. The women were among 25 scholars who received instruction in structural layering, laying concrete hollow blocks, and other foundational masonry skills that are commonly needed on active jobsites.
For mason contractors and other construction employers, the NC II credential matters because it serves as proof of intermediate skills and a benchmark aligned with workplace standards. The trainees said the certificate improves employment readiness for work opportunities in the province and potentially overseas.
The training also supports upcoming infrastructure projects under Trabaho. Kom, a partnership involving the Congressional Office of Dinagat Islands, the provincial government through the Provincial Public Employment Service Office, and agencies including the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and TESDA.
TESDA officials said the program reflects a push to increase women’s participation in nontraditional qualifications, including masonry. The TESDA Training for Work Scholarship Program supports trainees by covering the course at no cost, including training support funds and assessment fees. Scholars are also beneficiaries of DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program, which provides temporary employment assistance so training participation does not cut off income.
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