A total of 2,746 graduates from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) programs and the Pasig Community Training Center are set to receive starter funds from the Pasig City Government to help them launch small businesses or secure jobs using the skills they acquired.
The graduates came from the Pasig Community Training Center’s Livelihood and Barangay Computer Literacy Programs and the Pasig City Institute of Science and Technology, both under the Pasig City Skills Development Office. They completed their training between the second semester of 2024 and the first semester of 2025, and were honored during Certification Day held on August 14 at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The local government announced that, aside from their certificates, the graduates will each receive a ₱4,000 “Starter Fund.”
Mayor Vico Sotto also said they will be provided starter kits and support for assessment fees. He stressed that the purpose of these programs is not to provide temporary relief but to build lasting opportunities for Pasigueños.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” Sotto said, emphasizing that the city’s livelihood and technical-vocational programs are designed to help residents sustain themselves in the long run.
Sotto vowed further expansion:
“We will continue to improve our programs. Ang target natin sa susunod ay kurso para sa driving, caregiving, at gaya ng paghikayat sa atin ni Cong Roman, NC-3 programs.”
Also present at the event were Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski Jr., Rep. Roman Romulo, members of the 12th City Council, and TESDA–PAMAMARISAN District Director Maria Gerty Pamaran.