Continuing the success of the first program held on May 21-25, 2018, the second In-Country Training Program on Greening TVET for Sustainable Development was organized from July 16 to 20, 2018 at the National TVET Trainers Academy (NTTA) in Marikina City, Philippines. This program tapped the participation of 42 administrators TVET institutions and provincial training centers under the jurisdiction of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Similar to the aims the first program, the overall objective is to maintain green society through TVET professionals by empowering the students on greening knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The specific objectives of the program are to effectively and efficiently analyze emerging trends and challenges in Greening TVET for Sustainable Development for the benefit of the future generation.

The following topics were tackled during the five-day training: (1) Concepts and Importance of Greening TVET for Sustainable Development; (2) Integrating Green Concepts in TVET Curricula; (3) Meeting the Challenges in Intensifying the Greening of TVET Towards Sustainable Development; (4) Methods and Approaches of Greening TVET; (5) Planning and Management for Greening TVET System.

The five-day event was jointly organized by CPSC led by its Director General, Dr. Ramhari Lamichhane, and TESDA, led by the Director General, Sec. Guiling Mamondiong. Program resources were furnished by CPSC’s Faculty Consultant, Dr. Chithral Ambawatte. Local logistics was facilitated by the Director of the National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD), Mr. Elmer K. Talavera. Additional resources meanwhile were provided by the Visiting Faculty Consultant, Dr. Romulita Alto and the Faculty Specialist, Ms. Therese Lee.

As with the first batch, a Panel Discussion on "Transforming TVET for Sustainable Development" was organized on July 19, 2018 to further supplement the lessons of the program with actual practices as demonstrated by experts and professionals from the field. In attendance were: Ms. Gwyneth Ann Palmos (National Project Coordinator, Just Transition to a Green Economy, ILO, Manila), Mr. Celestino Millar (Chief TESD Specialist, TESDA Planning Office); Prof. Armando Basug (Representative from the University of the Philippines Task Force on Solid Waste management); Mr. David John Vergara (Representative, Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department of Quezon City) and Mr. Alberto T. Cabael (Vice President, Philippine Society of Plumbing Engineers). The panel was moderated by Dr. Ambawatte and was attended by all participants in addition to the five guests from the Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC).

The third and last program of similar content and arrangement was scheduled on July 30- August 3, 2018. By that time, all TVET administrators and officials from the Philippines will have been trained by CPSC on the said theme.

Dr. Lamichhane (standing) delivering his opening speech

The participants during the icebreaker exercise

Some of the panelists during the Panel Discussion on "Transforming TVET for Sustainable Development": (Left to right) Dr Chithral Ambawatte, Mr. Celestino Millar, Ms. Gwyneth Ann Palmos, Mr. David John Vergara and Prof. Armando Basug.

The participants with the TESDA officials at the Closing Ceremony.