TESDA, DOTr offer 'Tsuper Iskolar' program 

The national government urged on Monday asked those in the transport sector to avail of the "Tsuper Iskolar" program, which the echnical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched in 2018 in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

The program aims to provide scholarships and livelihood training to drivers. It also provides beneficiaries and their families with free skills training, skills assessment, and entrepreneurship training.

DOTr-Office of Transportation Cooperatives Chairperson Jesus Ferdinand Ortega said the initiative aims to improve the livelihood of public transport drivers in line with the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Scholarship grants were provided to drivers, operators, cooperative members, and beneficiaries of co-members.

Beneficiaries were likewise provided with food and transportation allowance worth P350.00 a day for 30-35 days of training.

“Sila ay bibigyan ng oportunidad na mag-aral sa iba’t-ibang kurso ng TESDA sa buong Pilipinas. Pahihintulutan silang pumili kung anong scholarship ang gusto nila, ito ay 30-35 days na programa and will be given an allowance of 350 pesos (They will be given the opportunity to study in various TESDA courses throughout the Philippines. They will be allowed to choose what scholarship they want, this is a 30-35 day program and will be given an allowance of 350 pesos),” Ortega said during a televised public briefing aired at state-run PTV-4.

He added that some people are encouraged to avail of "Tsuper Iskolar" because of the allowance, as this serves as an assurance for them they have something to buy for their basic needs.

Meanwhile, the DOTr and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched an alternative livelihood program for drivers and operators.

Under the DOTr-DOLE's “EnTSUPERneur” program, the assistance is meant to provide alternative sources of income for public transport drivers and operators affected by the PUV Modernization Program.

Ortega said the “EnTSUPERneur” program is a big help to transport workers affected by the reform in the public land transport industry.

The training aims to provide employment opportunities through livelihood assistance packages that would give sources of income outside the public transportation industry.