Quality skills education is opening more doors for Ilonggos through TEKBOKALIDAD, the Iloilo City Government’s campaign that promotes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.

In Mayor Raisa S. Treñas’ first year, the program has empowered more than 1, 518 Ilonggos by equipping them with industry-relevant skills that improve their chances of securing decent jobs or starting sustainable livelihoods.

Launched on August 30, 2025, TEKBOKALIDAD, which is implemented by local government-run Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC), champions competency-based training that responds to the needs of both workers and industries, helping build a more skilled and competitive local workforce.

The program has produced 97 graduates of the two-year Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) program, preparing them with industry-ready skills for employment. It also trained 145 graduates under various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses, further enhancing their competencies and employability.

For many families, however, the program’s greatest achievement is not reflected in the numbers, but in the opportunities it has created for their children.

Among them is Milanie Medina of City Proper, whose 20-year-old son, Remil Medina, graduated from the Automotive Technology program.

“Proud ko sa iya nga nakatapos siya,” Nanay Milanie said, sharing that it was Remil’s own decision to pursue a two-year technical course so he could start working sooner.

“May tinapusan kag ila gid ya willing, wala ginpilit sa kurso. Happy man siya, especially kon mag-practicum sila, kay halin sang gamay siya mahilig na mangkuti-kuti,” she added.
Milanie also expressed gratitude that the program eased their family’s financial burden.

“Wala man kami sing ginasto gid. Amo na nga nagapasalamat ko nga nakasulod siya sa TIIC kay nakamenos sa gasto sa ila nga mag-ululutod,” she said.

The same sense of pride was shared by Alma Guardapies of Jaro, whose eldest son, Paolo Guardapies, 21, completed the Electrical Technology program.

“Diri sa TIIC gusto ya mag-eskwela kag amo na nga kurso. Gusto ya makaubra; wala pa sa plano ya mag-abroad. Basi sa ulihi pwede,” Alma shared, hopeful that the skills her son acquired will help him build a stable future.

“Kis-a may mga activities sila, amo lang na may bayranan. Dako gid nga bulig para sa amon nga ginikanan nga mapaeskwela sila nga libre ang tuition,” Alma added.

Furthermore, under the program, the city also strengthened livelihood opportunities, with 1,276 trainees completing livelihood and skills training programs designed to help residents build productive and sustainable sources of income.

The impact of the program is reflected in the success of its graduates. A total of 192 graduates have already secured formal employment, while 50 graduates have established their own livelihood or self-employment ventures, demonstrating how skills development can translate into economic opportunities.

Through TEKBOKALIDAD, the Iloilo City Government continues to invest in its people by providing practical education and training that empower Ilonggos to build better futures.

The initiative forms part of Mayor Raisa’s commitment to creating more opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth under the city’s RISE-to-ACTION Framework.