CAGAYAN de Oro City — More than 1,000 technical-vocational graduates from Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City can now use their newly acquired skills to pursue jobs, start livelihoods, and help support their families. 

The 1,083 graduates completed various programs under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and were recognized during the 2026 TVET Mass Graduation on Oct. 5 at the Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center in Cagayan de Oro City. 

TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez said technical-vocational training gives graduates practical skills they can use to earn a living and improve their families’ lives. 

“Skills are a lifelong investment. Ang inyong skills, ang inyong kahanas, dili gid yun makawat sa inyo. Kami sa TESDA, simple lang ang mandato namin, training to trabaho,” Benitez said. 

He said the value of skills training goes beyond getting a salary, as it can also help graduates earn money and contribute to their households. 

“Dili lang ini para sa sweldo. Una ni para makatrabaho, makakuwarta ug makatabang,” he said. 

The graduates came from eight technical-vocational institutions, with training covering heavy equipment operation, welding, electrical installation, driving, food and beverage services, housekeeping, cookery, bartending, and early childhood care services. 

For Reggie Callao, a TESDA scholar who completed Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Services National Certificate III, the training strengthened both her skills and commitment to serving children in her community. 

“ECCD Services NC III not only strengthened my skills as a child development worker, but it also strengthened my passion and my commitment to serve the children in my community,” she said. 

Callao said the challenges she faced during training helped build her confidence and improve her ability to care for and serve children. 

“Being a child development worker is more than just a job. It is a commitment, responsibility, and a privilege to help shape the lives and future of our children,” she said. 

Food and Beverage Services National Certificate II graduate Mark Anthony V. Miñosa said a national certificate could help graduates pursue employment, including opportunities abroad. 

Ana Victoria S. Fabiaña, who completed Housekeeping National Certificate II, said free TESDA training helped her acquire practical skills and opened opportunities for her and her family. 

She learned tasks such as cleaning, preparing beds, and handling guests without having to pay for the training.

Among the graduates, 130 completed ECCD Services National Certificate III at COBSAT. SKIVTECH Training Academy recorded the largest number of graduates, with 211.