PASIG CITY, October 1, 2018 – Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) learners showcased their skills and products during the First National Tech-Voc Trade Expo organized by the Department of Education (DepEd), through the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD), on September 24 at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central Office in Pasig City.

The event, which carried the theme “Technical-Vocational Education (TVE): Propelling the country to sustainable progress,” is an advocacy campaign of the Department for the TVE in keeping with Republic Act No. 10970 declaring August 25 of every year as the National Tech-Voc Day.

The learners exhibited their products in handicraft making, everlasting making, baking, soft furnishing, fish deboning, t-shirt printing, red wine and turmeric making, beauty care, dishwashing liquid making, bartending, welding, wellness massage, perfume making, dressmaking, and nail art.

The expo also aimed to intensify the level of awareness about the tech-voc programs among DepEd employees and stakeholders; showcase skills/products and performances of learners and teachers; and engage industries as partners in supporting learning and molding the future of country’s manpower resources.

In her keynote speech before the 400 attendees, including learners, teachers, school heads, and DepEd officials, Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Lorna Dig-Dino highlighted the importance of providing tech-voc students with hands-on experience.

“The best method that we, teachers and educators, need to do is to allow our students to be actively engaged in the production process, not just let them memorize their textbooks or lessons,” Dino stated.

“There is nothing wrong with embracing creativity and innovation as long as all of you are safe and that nobody gets hurt in the process… If you are able to contribute to a better way of life for yourself, your family, and your community, that already is your contribution to nation-building,” Dino added.

Moreover, the Undersecretary expressed her delight in seeing the products of the tech-voc learners. She further encouraged the school heads and teachers to conduct trade expos – for instance, during the distribution of report cards – so the parents and the community can also witness and further appreciate the talents and skills of the learners. Dino added that the expo may also serve as an income-generating activity for the students.

The schools which participated in the event were Caloocan City Business High School (Caloocan City); Las Piñas City Technical-Vocational High School (Las Piñas City); Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino High School (Makati City); Concepcion Technical-Vocational High School (Malabon City); Mandaluyong High School (Mandaluyong City); Eulogio Rodriguez Vocational High School (Manila City); Elpidio Quirino High School (Manila City); A.J. Villegas Vocational High School (Manila City); Malanday National High School (Marikina City); Muntinlupa Business High School (Muntinlupa City); Pedro E. Diaz High School (Muntinlupa City); San Rafael Technical-Vocational High School (Navotas City); Parañaque National High School (Parañaque City); Rizal Experimental Station and Pilot School for Cottage Industries (Pasig City); Pasay City West High School (Pasay City); Don A. Roces Science and Technology High School (Quezon City); San Juan National Senior High School (San Juan City); Pateros National High School (Taguig City); and Lawang Bato National High School (Valenzuela City).

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