90 residents in Santa Marcela given FREE TESDA training and farming starter tool kits

Santa Marcela, Apayao - Over 90 residents in Santa Marcela benefited from the free skills training and farming starter tool kits under the TESDA’s Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).

Santa Marcela LGU said the program, which was funded under Cong. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang aimed to upgrade participants’ farming skills so that they can boost their livelihood ventures and become channels of job opportunities.

The toolkits of the farmers, comprised of various farm tools, were given to the trainees after completing their training on July 17, 2025, at the EKB Memorial Sports Center.

Among the 90 beneficiaries, 70 of them obtained their tool kits from the Veaveranda Nature Farm and Training Center Inc., which handled the training on “Plant Crops Leading to Agricultural Crops Production NC II. Further, 20 trainees got their tool kits from Riseline Crisologo Farm, who conducted the course on Producing Organic Concoction and Extracts Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II.”

Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez and Vice Mayor Rolly U. Guiang expressed support for the program, saying they will work together with TESDA and the office of the Congresswoman to create more training and employment initiatives.

During the event, several public officials, including the lone district representative Leah Bulut-Begtang, TESDA Provincial Director Glenn Murphy, Board Members Josephine Bangsil and Myla Ballesteros, and Sangguniang Bayan Member Rodan Pascua were in attendance.

Said officials also affirmed commitment to contribute to the betterment of those interested in enhancing their knowledge and capacities in doing farm business projects, securing ways to earn for living for their own families’ needs.