City of San Fernando (La Union) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Region I takes part in the launching of the National Youth Commission (NYC)’s Apprenticeship Summit Job Fair on August 5, 2015 at CSI Stadia, Dagupan City. “Pinoy Apprentice” is a program by the NYC that seeks to integrate unemployed youth to highly technical industries for apprenticeship. The program is in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, City of Dagupan, private sector partners, and participating enterprises that are required to advertise apprenticeship vacancies and employment vacancies.

During the conference, panel discussions were made focusing on Search of skills through employment and apprenticeship, Integrating Apprenticeships and the Education System, and the Agrifishery Industry in Dagupan and the City’s Economy. Panelists coming from DepEd Region I were NYC Focal Person Ms. Sol Jomaya, Ms. Liberty Roxas, and Mr. Diosdado Cayabyab. Ms. Jomaya gave a clear picture on the importance of the K to 12 Program and its benefits after graduating from senior high school. Ms. Roxas also discussed on the Abot Alam Program which aims to target zero Out of school youths (OSY)’s in the region. Mr. Cayabyab also emphasized on the context of Grade 11 and Grade 12, the tracks included in those grade levels. The NYC lauded the initiative of DepEd in integrating technical and vocational training components in the K to 12.

Other panelists were Dir. Cenon Querubin of TESDA R-I, Mr. Engracio Bailon of DOLE Pangasinan, Mr. Andrei Abalos of Metro Dagupan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Dr. Robin Espinoza of NYC who discussed youth employment and apprenticeship program.

The Agrifishery Industry in Dagupan and the City’s Economic Development were also discussed by Ms. Mea Baldonado and Mr. Belmor Bagaoan of BFAR RO1, Mr. Joseph Quinto of NEDA RO1, Ms Emma Molina and Ms. Natasha Rimorin of Dagupan LGU Agri Office.

Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez and Undersecretary Gregorio Ramon Tiongson, chairperson of NYC led the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the NYC Apprenticeship launch which was attended by ALS and OSY graduates of Dagupan City.