The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Romblon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ROMELCO) formally strengthened their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Program in Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II. Led by ROMELCO General Manager Rene M. Fajilgutan and Board President Paul Johann R. Merte, the initiative aims to provide trainees with industry-based learning experience that combine classroom instruction with actual workplace training. More importantly, the partnership lays the foundation for developing a highly skilled workforce that can support Romblon’s growing energy sector and emerging renewable energy initiatives. As the electric cooperative serving the province’s five island municipalities for local workers to gain nationally recognized skills and certifications.
In his welcome remarks, General Manager Fajilagutan emphasized that ROMELCO is not only an electric cooperative but also a partner in education and workforce development. He also highlighted the cooperative’s pioneering efforts in renewable energy, including being the first electric cooperative to deploy Lithium-Ion Solar Hybrid Systems to help address rising diesel costs, as well as its continued investments in solar farms and hydroelectric power generation. He also underscored the need to prepare a future-ready workforce capable of supporting these innovations through training in technologies such as Photovoltaic (PV) Installation and Maintenance. TESDA Romblon Provincial Director Atty. Glenn Niño M. Sartillo echoed the importance of collaboration, sharing TESDA’s guiding principle, “Basta’t sama-sama, sa TESDA, Kayang-kaya.”
Meanwhile, the TESDA Regional Director Baron Jose L. Lagran emphasized that electric cooperatives are the backbone of community development and that increasingly seek certified and competent workers. This program marks only the beginning of a broader partnership between TESDA and ROMELCO, opening doors to future training programs that will equip Romblomanons with the skills needed to drive the province’s transition toward a more sustainable energy-powered future.