A Continuing Partnership for Young Negrenses

The partnership between the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and Dualtech Training Center continues to provide young Negrenses with opportunities to pursue technical education, develop workplace skills, and prepare for employment. Established in 2019, the partnership has supported scholars from various cities and municipalities in the province through the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program. Through the program, scholars take Electromechanics Technology course that combines in-school with hands-on industry training.Led by Hon. Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental visited Dualtech Training Center to strengthen its continuing partnership and learn more about the experiences of its scholars and alumni. During the visit, the delegation received updates on the scholarship program, including the continued endorsement of scholars. Discussions also explored ways to strengthen coordination with universities and Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) to support graduates in pursuing employment opportunities.Governor Lacson met with current scholars and Dualtech alumni, who shared how their experiences at Dualtech contributed to their personal and professional development. The delegation also toured Dualtech’s facilities and training areas, gaining a closer look at classroom instruction, hands-on technical training, and industry exposure.

Among those who shared his story was Mr. Jerson Pillones, a Batch 1 scholar under the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program and a Dualtech alumnus from Sipalay City, Negros Occidental. Jerson spoke about his experience at Dualtech and expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental for supporting his education and training.

He is now employed at Transcend Technologies, Inc., one of Dualtech’s partner companies, and has passed the PRC licensure examination to become a Registered Master Electrician. His experience shows how scholarship support and technical training can help young people prepare for employment and pursue their career goals.Also sharing his experience was Mr. Jofer Marfil, a Dualtech alumnus from Bago City, Negros Occidental, who is now employed at San Miguel Brewery, Inc. While Jofer was not a recipient of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program, he expressed his appreciation for the education and training he received at Dualtech and the continued support for programs that provide opportunities for young Negrenses. His story offered another perspective on the value of technical education and industry training, while highlighting the importance of partnerships in helping young people develop skills and prepare for the workplace.After hearing directly from the scholars and alumni, Governor Lacson expressed his appreciation for the scholarship program. During the visit, he also announced the incoming Batch 11 scholars and shared the province’s interest in exploring support for qualified individuals pursuing degree programs through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).Engr. Jerry Webb E. Muhi, President and Executive Director of Dualtech Training Center, expressed his appreciation to Governor Lacson and the provincial delegation for visiting Dualtech and for their continued partnership. He highlighted the collaboration as an opportunity to support young people from Negros Occidental through education, technical training, and pathways to employment.The delegation continued its visit to Ampleon Philippines, Inc., one of Dualtech’s partner companies, where they met with Negrense scholars currently undergoing in-plant training.

Ampleon Philippines welcomed the delegation through its Human Resources and Management team and provided an overview of the company and its training partnership with Dualtech. The visit also included testimonies from Negrense scholars, who shared their experiences as scholarship beneficiaries and trainees at Ampleon. One scholar shared that Dualtech taught him more than technical skills. Through the program, he also developed important values, prepared for his future, and gained an opportunity to help support his family.Another scholar expressed his gratitude for being deployed to Ampleon and for the opportunity to gain actual workplace experience. He shared how the training exposed him to tasks involving high-power resistors and allowed him to apply the knowledge and skills he gained at Dualtech.The scholars also expressed their appreciation to Governor Lacson and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental for supporting their education and training through the scholarship program.Governor Lacson also expressed his appreciation to Ampleon Philippines for welcoming the scholars and supporting the partnership with Dualtech. He acknowledged the opportunities created through the collaboration among the provincial government, Dualtech, and industry partners.

Atty. Riza Mendoza, Senior Director for Human Resources Management of Ampleon Philippines, also welcomed the scholars and reaffirmed the commitment to guiding them throughout their training. She shared that Ampleon is committed to helping shape young people and supporting their professional development. She also recognized the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental’s advocacy for youth development and expressed hope that the partnership would inspire future scholars. Atty. Riza acknowledged that being away from their families can be challenging for young trainees and assured the scholars that Ampleon would support and guide them as they continue their professional journey.

The visit to Dualtech and Ampleon highlighted the connection between scholarship support, technical education, and industry training. For the young Negrenses in the program, the partnership provides access to education, practical experience, and opportunities to develop workplace skills as they prepare for their future careers.