BALER, Aurora (PIA) — About 277 residents of Casiguran, Aurora have gained digital skills after completing a month-long computer literacy program.
The program was jointly carried out by the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Fil-Chi Love and Care Foundation, Inc. to benefit solo parents, out-of-school youth, farmers, and Indigenous Peoples.
TESDA Aurora Supervising Specialist Jerome Lopez said the training equips the local workforce with essential competencies to meet the demands of a rapidly digitalizing economy.
“Participants now hold skills that enhance their employability and provide official validation of their competence, giving them better chances at securing jobs or starting digital-based ventures,” Lopez emphasized.
To ensure hands-on learning, the Fil-Chi Love and Care Foundation, Inc. provided 40 laptops and 20 desktops for the trainees’ use.
The course covered practical applications, from basic hardware and software knowledge to troubleshooting and digital communication, enabling participants to adapt to modern workplace requirements.
APECO President and CEO Gil Taway IV affirmed the state firm’s commitment to developing Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag into a digitally competent talent pool in an increasingly tech-driven economy.
“By equipping our local communities with digital skills such as internet use and word processing, we not only improve their employability but also prepare them to contribute meaningfully to our ecozone’s growth,” Taway said.
The program reinforced the mandate of TESDA and APECO to expand opportunities for skills development and employment.
By investing in digital competencies, both institutions help build a more competitive, inclusive, and future-ready workforce in Aurora, positioning communities to thrive in the digital age.
