Between 2016 and June 2018, 1,565 surrendered drug suspects in the Western Visayas have received free skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Those who enrolled were part of the “skills training for special clients,” which also included members of indigenous communities, those affected by calamity, inmates and dependents, persons with disability, family enterprises, and surrendered rebel.

Among the available TESDA courses were driving, cooking, automotive servicing, bread and pastry production, heavy equipment operation, carpentry, masonry, food and beverage services, wellness, steel fabrication, and welding.

Across the country, around 20,550 surrendered drug suspects have received such training./WDJ