The search for more scholars and partnerships in Zamboanga and Basilan

As Zamboanga and its surrounding areas continue to progress and expand, Dualtech visited the city to continue strengthening ties for more fruitful collaborations. It could be recalled that in December 2024, TESDA IX visited Dualtech for considering a possible trainers’ immersion and a dual training system course for DTS implementers in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

One of Dualtech’s visits were at the town of Guban. In coordination with the Orani Suhay Foundation (OSF), Dualtech met Guban’s educators, and learners to help spread awareness on scholarships for Dualtech’s program. The school also met palm oil and rubber processing plant officers, who currently need technical manpower who are competent in electrical and machining skills. OSF’s scholarships will allow SHS and ALS learners in the area to have diverse career opportunities, and at the same time, help contribute to industries in the Mindanao region.

Another important stopover in the itinerary was at the DMC CERI Shipping Yard in Zamboanga City. Dualtech had discussions with the site supervisor on the present demand for skilled workers for welding, electrical, fabrication, and electronics (for navigation). The school’s current Electromechanics Technology course has been identified in the discussion as compatible with the manpower requirements and needs in the shipping yard. DMC CERI is a shipping company engaged in Domestic Shipping, Ship Build & Ship Repair, and Port & Terminal Management.

As in past trips, Dualtech also had several career talk meetings with various groups of learners who may be future Electromechanics Technology scholars. A group of ALS learners in Sumisip, Basilan learned and understood the opportunity to get technical training not only in school, but also in the industry partners of Dualtech which will eventually make them employable. It could be recalled that six Dualtech graduates, also from Sumisip, were assisted through the socio-civic organization Angat Buhay program (which was incorporated as Angat Pinas Inc.). These scholars found employment after graduation.

In the nearby Isabela City, Dualtech again met up with Angat Pinas and various other organizations and partners in support of a new project’s groundbreaking ceremony. Two classrooms will soon be constructed and turned over to Makiri Elementary School. The construction project was a joint initiative of Angat Pinas and its partner foundation Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation.

One last highlight in Dualtech’s trip in Mindanao was meeting some established companies for discussions on trainees. Handling Innovation, material handling equipment, and Mega Fishing Corporation, known for the country’s Number 1 Sardines Brand, met Dualtech’s representatives regarding future prospects for the region’s youth.

As regards HII, the company is considering getting trainees and especially forklift technicians from Zamboanga. Ms. Gel Francisco, HI’s Sales Executive, will help recruit scholars from the city through career guidance meetings with secondary schools. Furthermore, her team plans to encourage these learners that once they complete their training in Dualtech, Handling Innovation may take them in as trainees.

In Dualtech’s visit to Mega Fishing Corporation, it shared with the giant canning company its recent activities, which include getting scholars from Zamboanga Del Norte and Basilan for potential technician manpower pooling. In turn, the company explained that their facilities need electromechanical (electrical, mechanical, and electronics) which are the essential skills in running its production smoothly.

Soon, more trips of Dualtech to Mindanao will show that it is not just the land of opportunity and promise, but also the land of the future’s professionals as well.