Further solidifying the launch of the projects under the tripartite agreement between Rizal Technological University (RTU), Mindoro Marine Manufacturing Corporation (MMMC), and the Municipal Government of Paluan, the three organizations led the blessing ceremony for the training facility, which will be used for welding skills training as part of the TESDA Certification Preparation Program for Paluanons.

Held on October 1, the blessing ceremony was conducted to formally dedicate the training facility and ensure that the venue is adequately prepared and equipped to accommodate the practical and competency-based requirements of the welding training as part of the program titled “RTU STRIVES” (Skills Training and Recognition through Industry-aligned Vocational Education and Standards). The activity also signified the tripartite partners’ commitment to providing a conducive, safe, and industry-aligned learning environment for the participants.

The RTU STRIVES: Welding Skills Training and TESDA Certification Preparation Program was developed to respond to the identified skills development needs of employees from MMMC and the Municipality of Paluan, Province of Occidental Mindoro. The program aims to equip participants with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and technical competencies needed for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certificate II (NC II) certification assessment.

The training facility will serve as the primary venue for the program’s hands-on component, where participants will develop and demonstrate essential welding competencies through practical exercises and skills-based activities. The training aligns with relevant industry standards and competency requirements, helping participants prepare for the TESDA NC II assessment.

The blessing ceremony further emphasized the importance of collaboration among RTU, MMMC, and the Municipality of Paluan in advancing technical-vocational education and workforce development. The initiative reflects RTU’s continuing commitment to extending its academic and technical expertise beyond the university and responding to the actual capacity-building needs of its partner institutions and communities.

Through the RTU STRIVES program, the University seeks to support the professional development and skills enhancement of participating employees while supporting their pursuit of national certification. The blessing of the training facility therefore marked a significant preparatory milestone toward the successful implementation of the Welding Skills Training and TESDA Certification Preparation Program and the achievement of its intended outcomes.