MANILA, Philippines — An international designer of digital signal processors. A caregiver. A chef. They were among the individuals recognized by TE SDA for their contribution to technical vocational education and training (TVET ) nationwide.

The winners of Idols ng TE SDA and the 2011 Kabalikat Award were recently feted in simple rites during TE SDA ’s 17th foundation anniversary.

Some 22 graduates of tech-voc programs and skilled workers won the 2011 Idols ng TE SDA Award, for attaining skills excellence in their fields.

They are all gainfully employed either as wage workers or managing their own businesses which also provide employment to other TVET graduates.

Daisy Alegarbes, SMAW welder of Region XI , and Chef Jose Gabriel Prats, Commercial Cooking NC IV of the National Capital Region, are the national winners of the 2011 Idols ng TESDA award for the self-employed and wageemployed categories respectively.

This year’s regional Idols ng TESDA awardees are: Self-Employed- Francis L. Rugnao, Rommelda S. Paguyo, Leticia A. Aguinaldo, Demeter S. Panis, Michael C. Cases, Arch. Daisy R. Alegarbes, Froilan A. Rotairo, Virgilio P. Ordiz, and Imelda S. Jumalon; Wage Employed- Laurence P. Sales, Marie Elonor J. Benter, Juan Paolo T. Lopez, Benedicto S. Alonzo, Antonio R. Santos, Jr., Ryan A. Estores, Michelle M. Cuerquis, Grace E. Esoy, Reynaldo C. Cariño, Eliser S. Sadiang-Abay, Gilbert L. Rafer, Jose Gabriel E. Prats, and Enrilie S. Erno.

The search starts at the provincial level, with each TESDA Provincial Office nominating a potential Idol to compete at the regional level. A ll the regional winners vie for the two national awards- one winner each for the wage-employed and selfemployed categories.

Kabalikat

On the other hand, this year’s Kabalikat Award was given to one academic institution, four corporations, and 11 local government units (LGUs) for their outstanding contribution to the conduct and promotion of middle level skills development programs. These contributions were in the form of scholarships, donation of training tools and equipment, establishment of training centers, and provision of technical assistance in the development of training standards.

The national winners of the 2011 Kabalikat Award are Texas Instruments Philippines, Inc. in  Baguio City (Industry Category) and Provincial Government of Bohol and Second Congressional District of Misamis Oriental (LGU Category).

This year’s regional Kabalikat awardees are the following: Institution- STI-Calbayog LGU- municipal government of Baccara, Ilocos Norte, provincial government of Quirino, provincial government of Tarlac, fourth congressional district of Batangas, first congressional district of Mindoro, city government of Sorsogon, provincial government of Bohol, city government of Dipolog, second congressional district of Misamis Oriental, provincial government of Compostela Valley, city government of Mandaluyong. Industry - Energy Development Corporation/Mt. Apo Geothermal Project, Texas Instruments Philippines, Inc., Coronet Wood Industry, Robert BOSCH (Philippines).

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